Abstract

This dissertation is comprised of four chapters. In chapter 1 I examine Kaplan's theory of deictics and show that the very data that is used to support various aspects of the theory actually show it to be inadequate. In chapter 2 I present a variety of uses of deictics and argue that semantic theories in general are not equipped to handle them. In chapter 3 I examine two other views of deictic reference and show them to be inadequate. I then outline my own two component use-based theory of deictics. In my theory I combine a semantic theory of deictics with a theory of reference determining intentions by showing that the linguistic meanings of deictic terms create constraints on a speaker's referential intentions. In chapter 4 I fill out a number of aspects of my theory and deal with the attributive use of deictics