Deixis and thematic hierarchies in Russian narrative discourse

Abstract

In reference with demonstrative forms, the core function of deixis can be extended in a variety of ways to influence the addressee's interpretation of the discourse. For example, it is well known that in narrative discourse deictic forms are often used to present a perspective that is internal to the narrative (Fillmore, 1976). Russian data suggest that a higher level of influence can also exist: a narrator's choice of a deictic means of reference can contribute to a sense of thematic hierarchization within the local discourse. The core locational meaning of the Russian distal demonstrative tot is metaphorized in various ways, and combines with grammatical subordination and other features of the grammar to create a sense of thematic subordination.