Deictic

Deictic refers to words and phrases whose meaning is dependent on the context of the speaker and the listener, particularly their location and time of utterance. These linguistic expressions, also known as indexicals, 'point' to specific aspects of the communicative situation. They help establish a shared understanding between participants by relating language to the here and now, involving the speaker, listener, place, time, and discourse context. The interpretation of deictic terms necessitates considering the spatial, temporal, and personal references embedded within the interaction.

Deictic meaning with examples

• 1. **Here**, let's start with the introductions. (Points to the location) 2. I am ready to present **this** report. (Points to the item in possession) 3. **Now** is the time for questions. (Points to the temporal context) 4. **You** should review these documents closely. (Points to the listener) 5. **That** is an interesting approach to the problem. (Points to an item further away)
• 1. **This** meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. (Referring to the current meeting) 2. They live **there**, near the school. (Referring to a place) 3. Could **you** help me with this project? (Referring to the listener) 4. I finished **yesterday**. (Referring to a past time) 5. **We** need to work together on this (Referring to the speaker and others)
• 1. **Those** were difficult times. (Referring to a past time) 2. **I** can assist with that issue. (Referring to the speaker) 3. The conference is **next** week. (Referring to a future time) 4. Please pass **me** the book. (Referring to the speaker) 5. The information is **above**.