Discourse deixis

Definition

Discourse deixis refers to the use of expressions that anchor the interpretation of the utterance to the context of the discourse itself, typically involving references to parts of the discourse or the speaker's role in it. It allows speakers to indicate what they are talking about in relation to the ongoing conversation, such as 'this', 'that', 'next', or 'previous', and helps listeners understand which part of the discourse is being referenced or highlighted.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Discourse deixis helps listeners navigate through conversations by clarifying which part of the discourse is being referred to at any given time.
2. Common expressions of discourse deixis include terms like 'this statement', 'the next point', or 'that idea', which signal specific parts of the ongoing discussion.
3. Discourse deixis is essential for maintaining coherence in conversations, as it allows speakers to refer back to previously mentioned concepts without redundancy.
4. It differs from other forms of deixis, such as person deixis (which focuses on speaker and listener roles) and place deixis (which relates to spatial references).
5. Understanding discourse deixis is crucial for effective communication, as it helps establish a shared understanding of what is being discussed among participants.

Review Questions

• How does discourse deixis facilitate communication in conversation?
  • Discourse deixis enhances communication by providing cues that link expressions to specific parts of the ongoing discourse. This allows speakers to reference prior statements or future points without repeating themselves, making conversations more efficient. For example, using phrases like 'this point' helps clarify which aspect of the discussion is being addressed, ensuring that all participants understand and follow along seamlessly.
• What distinguishes discourse deixis from other types of deixis, such as person and place deixis?
  • Discourse deixis specifically refers to elements within the text or speech that relate directly to the structure of the conversation itself. In contrast, person deixis focuses on identifying participants in communication (like 'I' and 'you'), while place deixis relates to spatial context (like 'here' and 'there'). Each type of deixis plays a unique role in how we interpret meaning based on context, but discourse deixis uniquely emphasizes the relationship between utterances within a dialogue.
• Evaluate how discourse deixis contributes to understanding narrative structure in literature.
  • Discourse deixis plays a critical role in narrative structure by guiding readers through complex texts and helping them identify key parts of the story. For instance, when an author uses phrases like 'as mentioned earlier' or 'the next chapter reveals', it creates a clear connection between ideas and events within the narrative. This not only aids comprehension but also allows for deeper engagement with the text as readers follow the unfolding plot. Ultimately, effective use of discourse deixis enriches literary analysis by drawing attention to how stories are constructed and understood.

Related terms

deixis: A linguistic term that refers to words and phrases, like 'here' or 'you', whose meaning is dependent on the context in which they are used.

reference: The act of mentioning or alluding to something in speech or writing, often clarified through deixis in a discourse.

anaphora:

A linguistic mechanism where a word refers back to a previous word or phrase within a text or conversation, often used alongside discourse deixis.