In this term paper I will introduce you into the topic “deixis” in the English language, where I will especially focus on one of the main types of deixis: time deixis. First of all, I am going to give a short definition of deixis in general. After that I will mention the types of deixis and give some information about each of them. Moreover, I will explain time deixis in detail and I will also talk about the deictic circle in relation to shifting from the direct into indirect speech with special focus on time deixis.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Definition: Deixis
1.2 Types of deixis
2. Time Deixis
3. Deictic Circle
3.1 Converting direct into indirect speech
3.2 Definition: Deictic Circle
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the linguistic concept of deixis, specifically focusing on time deixis and how it undergoes shifting during the conversion of direct speech into indirect speech. It explores the theoretical framework of deictic expressions and the pedagogical utility of the "deictic circle" in understanding these transformations.
- The linguistic definition and classification of deixis (person, place, time, discourse, and social deixis).
- Detailed analysis of time deixis and its relation to the "origo" or coding time.
- The process of "back-shifting" tenses and time adverbials in reported speech.
- The concept of the "deictic circle" as a tool for visual learners and EFL instruction.
- The subjective role of the reporter in interpreting reality through indirect speech.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Converting direct into indirect speech
Deictic expressions usually change when you turn a direct speech into an indirect speech. That process is called shifting or back-shifting. Thus, first and second person shifts to third person. Place deixis shifts from here → there and this/these →that/those. Time deixis shifts from today → that day, tomorrow → the following day, yesterday → the day before etc. (Harmann, 2004: 231f.). Moreover, verbs in indirect speech are back-shifted one tense:
Here are some examples of how deictic expressions change when direct speech is converted into indirect speech:
(1) Susan: “I ate a pack of strawberries yesterday.”
→ Susan said that she had eaten a pack of strawberries the day before.
(2) Janice: “I’ll meet you here again tomorrow at 3.30.”
→ Janice said that she would meet me there again the next day at 3.30.
(3) Mary: “I am here now”
→ Mary said that she was there then.
(4) Luke: “I am going to buy a present there.”
→ Luke said that he would buy a present at that place.
(5) Joe: “I will join you this evening.”
→ Joe said that he would join them that evening.
In sentence (1) the tense shifts from simple past to past perfect and “yesterday” shifts to “the day before” in the indirect speech.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the paper, defining the focus on time deixis and the main research question regarding speech conversion.
2. Time Deixis: Explores the conceptualization of time in language, focusing on coding time, the deictic center (origo), and the role of tense and time adverbs.
3. Deictic Circle: Analyzes the mechanics of shifting direct into indirect speech and introduces the deictic circle as a pedagogical and theoretical model.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings on how time adverbials and deictic categories shift, emphasizing the importance of this knowledge for clear communication.
Keywords
Deixis, Time Deixis, Deictic Circle, Direct Speech, Indirect Speech, Back-shifting, Origo, Coding Time, Linguistics, Pragmatics, Person Deixis, Place Deixis, EFL Teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the linguistic concept of "deixis," specifically investigating how time deixis functions and how it transforms when converting direct speech into indirect speech.
What are the main types of deixis mentioned?
The paper identifies three primary types: person deixis, place deixis, and time deixis, while also noting secondary types such as social and discourse deixis.
What is the central research question?
The primary research question is: What happens with time deixis when converting direct speech into indirect speech?
Which scientific method is applied?
The author uses a literature-based theoretical approach, analyzing established pragmatics theories from linguists like Levinson, Harmann, and others to explain deictic phenomena.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers definitions of deixis, the technical aspects of time deixis (including coding time and tense), and the practical application of the deictic circle in speech reporting.
Which keywords best describe this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Deixis, Time Deixis, Deictic Circle, Back-shifting, and Pragmatics.
What is the "deictic circle" and why is it useful?
The deictic circle is a visual model that shows the relationship between deictic systems. It is particularly useful for EFL students and visual learners to grasp how deictic expressions shift during indirect speech.
How does the reporter's interpretation affect indirect speech?
The paper suggests that converting direct speech to indirect speech involves subjective interpretation, where the reporter chooses their own perception of the reality described, often influenced by the choice of reporting verbs like "said" or "told."
- Quote paper
- Ha Mi Nguyen (Author), 2017, Deixis Types with focus on Time Deixis and Deictic Circle, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/436399
