Author(s) :

Keffyalew Gebregziabher.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

In this paper, I analyze deictic expressions in Tigrinya, focusing mainly on spatial deixis, a domain that presents unique insights into the interaction between syntax and pragmatics. I show that Tigrinya exhibits a three-way contrast, distinguishing between (i) distal from both speaker and addressee, (ii) proximal to both speaker and addressee, and (iii) proximal to the addressee alone. This contrast contributes to the ongoing debate in deictic expressions by demonstrating the different ways in which spatial relationships are encoded across languages. Building on previous work, I develop a new framework that distinguishes this contrast by integrating both syntactic and pragmatic features, offering a more comprehensive understanding of Tigrinya spatial deixis. I argue that the categorial and functional variation observed in Tigrinya spatial deixis can be explained by invoking semantic features (e.g., [ADDR(essee)], [PROX(mal)]) and formal Person features (e.g., [1], [2]) that occupy different structural positions within the extended nominal spine, DP. Taking issue with the view that space plays no role in spatial deixis, I present empirical evidence supporting the claim that the primary function of demonstratives is shaped by both grammatical and discourse-interactive aspects of language.

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