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Deixis In Discourse – Quiz 1
Deixis In Discourse Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of deixis in discourse, including identifying different types of deictic references such as temporal, personal, and spatial deixis. It also assesses the ability to recognize anaphoric and cataphoric references within a conversation.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Which of the following is a temporal deixis?
A) Left.
B) Next week.
C) She.
D) King.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Temporal deixis refers to words that indicate time relative to the moment of speaking, such as "next week."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Left is a spatial deixis.
Option B:
Next week is a temporal deixis.
Option C:
She is a personal pronoun and not a deixis.
Option D:
King is a proper noun and not a deixis.
2.
What is a deixis?
A) A grammar rule for sentence structure.
B) A way to describe tone.
C) A type of punctuation.
D) A word or phrase whose meaning depends on context.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Deixis refers to words or phrases whose meaning is dependent on context, such as demonstratives ("this," "that"), time expressions ("now," "then"), and personal pronouns ("I," "you"). These elements derive their reference from the situation in which they are used.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Grammar rules for sentence structure do not depend on context.
Option B:
Tone is about the speaker's attitude, not dependent on context.
Option C:
Punctuation does not change meaning based on context.
Option D:
Correct. Words or phrases whose meanings depend on context are called deixis.
3.
Spatial deixis indicates:
A) Time.
B) Things.
C) People.
D) Location.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Spatial deixis is used to indicate location in space, such as "here," "there," and "over there." These terms are relative to the speaker's position and context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Time - Incorrect. Temporal deixis refers to time-related expressions like 'now,' 'then.'
Option B:
Things - Incorrect. Demonstratives like 'this' and 'that' are used for things, not location.
Option C:
People - Incorrect. Personal deixis involves terms related to people, such as 'I,' 'you.'
Option D:
Location - Correct. Spatial deixis indicates place or position in space.
4.
..... depends on the time when the utterance is produced.
A) Spatial deixis.
B) Temporal deixis.
C) Person deixis.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Temporal deixis refers to references that are dependent on the time of utterance, such as "today," "yesterday," and "tomorrow." These expressions change their meaning based on when they are spoken.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Spatial deixis involves references to location relative to the speaker or listener. Examples include "here" and "there." This is not about time, so it's incorrect.
Option B:
Temporal deixis correctly identifies expressions that depend on the time of utterance, such as "now," "then," and "today." This matches the given statement perfectly.
Option C:
Person deixis involves references to people relative to the speaker or listener. Examples include "I," "you," and "he/she/they." This is not about time, so it's incorrect.
Option D:
None of the above would be correct if A, B, and C are valid options.
5.
The word "we" refers to personal deixis.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Deixis refers to words that are dependent on extra-linguistic context for their interpretation, and they can be categorized into several types such as personal, demonstrative, and temporal deixis. "We" is an example of personal deixis because it changes its meaning based on the speaker's reference group.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
True. "We" indeed refers to personal deixis.
Option B:
False. This option contradicts the definition of "we" as a form of personal deixis.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect, since only Option A is true based on the given context.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect because Option A is correct.
6.
The team submitted the output this morning.
A) Spatial Deixis.
B) Personal Deixis.
C) Temporal Deixis.
D) Textual Deixis.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The team submitted the output this morning is an example of temporal deixis because it refers to a time relative to the moment of speaking, which is "this morning."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Spatial Deixis - Incorrect. This involves references to physical space and location.
Option B:
Personal Deixis - Incorrect. This refers to personal pronouns like 'I', 'you', etc., which are not used in the sentence.
Option C:
Temporal Deixis - Correct. The phrase "this morning" is a temporal deictic element, indicating a time relative to the present moment of speaking.
Option D:
Textual Deixis - Incorrect. This involves references that are specific to the text or discourse at hand and not directly related to time or space.
7.
What type of deixis is used in referring to the listener's or speaker's relationship (e.g. Sir, Ma'am, dude)?
A) Spatial deixis.
B) Social deixis.
C) Personal deixis.
D) Discourse deixis.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Social deixis is used in referring to the listener's or speaker's relationship, such as "Sir," "Ma'am," and "dude." These terms indicate social roles, statuses, or relationships between people, which are central to social deixis.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Spatial deixis refers to references that depend on the physical location of the speaker, hearer, or objects. "Sir," "Ma'am," and "dude" do not relate to spatial positioning.
Option B:
Correct. Social deixis involves references that are contextually dependent on social roles, statuses, or relationships between people.
Option C:
Personal deixis typically refers to pronouns and other elements that indicate the speaker's or hearer's identity or role in relation to the discourse. "Sir," "Ma'am," and "dude" are not personal pronouns but social references.
Option D:
Discourse deixis involves references that depend on the context of the conversation, such as past, present, or future tense indicators. "Sir," "Ma'am," and "dude" do not pertain to temporal aspects of discourse.
8.
Two different expressions can have the same referent.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Deixis refers to words whose meaning depends on an external factor, such as time, place, or context. Two different expressions can indeed have the same referent if they both point to the same entity in a given context. For example, "the book" and "that book" might refer to the same book depending on the situation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
True. Two different expressions can have the same referent if they both point to the same entity in a given context.
Option B:
False. This is incorrect because it contradicts the definition of deixis and how language works.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect as only one option (A) is correct based on the explanation provided.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect since Option A is true according to the given context.
9.
What is the role of context in pragmatic interpretation?
A) It provides a framework for meaning.
B) It complicates understanding.
C) It is irrelevant to communication.
D) It eliminates ambiguity.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Context provides a framework for meaning in pragmatic interpretation by offering the necessary information to understand and interpret utterances appropriately within their social, cultural, and situational settings. Without context, many aspects of communication would be ambiguous or impossible to comprehend accurately.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Context offers a framework for meaning by providing the necessary background information.
Option B:
Incorrect. Context simplifies understanding rather than complicating it when properly considered.
Option C:
Incorrect. Context is highly relevant to communication as it influences the interpretation of utterances.
Option D:
Incorrect. Context does not eliminate ambiguity; instead, it helps in reducing or resolving it by providing necessary information.
10.
Identify the spatial deixis in: "Once you're inside, the treasure will be found on your right."
A) Your right.
B) Inside.
C) The treasure.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Spatial deixis refers to words that indicate location relative to the speaker, hearer, or a point of reference in space. In the sentence "Once you're inside, the treasure will be found on your right," the phrase "on your right" is an example of spatial deixis because it indicates direction based on the listener's perspective.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Your right" is a spatial deictic expression that refers to a location relative to the hearer.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Inside" is a locative deictic element, but it does not indicate direction based on the listener's perspective.
Option C:
Incorrect. "The treasure" is a referential expression and not a spatial deictic term.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
11.
However, within the city of Berlin, there was no such security system. People were still able to pass freely from East to West and they did.
A) East of Berlin-people.
B) East of Germany-people.
C) East of Germany-Germans.
D) West of berlin-Germans.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is Option A: "East of Berlin-people." This option accurately reflects the context provided in the statement, which mentions that people were able to pass freely from East to West within the city of Berlin. The term "deixis" refers to language that is dependent on context or situation. In this case, "East of Berlin" serves as a spatial deixis indicating a specific location relative to Berlin.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly identifies the spatial reference point (Berlin) and the people involved in the scenario.
Option B:
Incorrect because it refers to "East of Germany," which is not relevant to the specific context provided about Berlin.
Option C:
Incorrect as it includes a nationality ("Germans") that was not specified or implied in the statement.
Option D:
Incorrect because it refers to "West of Berlin," which is not relevant to the scenario described.
12.
..... depends on the identity of the speaker.
A) Spatial deixis.
B) Temporal deixis.
C) Person deixis.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Person deixis refers to references that depend on the identity of the speaker, hearer, or a third person involved in the discourse. The statement "depends on the identity of the speaker" accurately describes this type of deixis.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Spatial deixis involves references to locations and directions that are relative to the speaker's position.
Option B:
Temporal deixis refers to references to time, such as "now" or "yesterday," which can change depending on when the statement is made.
Option C:
Person deixis correctly identifies that the reference depends on who the speaker is addressing or referring to in the discourse.
Option D:
This option suggests none of the above, but since person deixis fits the description, it is not correct.
13.
Which of the following shows discourse deixis?
A) This road is long.
B) They will come tomorrow.
C) We are here.
D) I saw that in the conclusion.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Discourse deixis refers to references that are made in relation to the context of a conversation, including time and place. Option D "I saw that in the conclusion" demonstrates discourse deixis because it uses 'that' and 'the conclusion' which refer to something previously mentioned or understood within the current discourse.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This road is long. - No context-dependent references.
Option B:
They will come tomorrow. - Uses time reference but not discourse deixis.
Option C:
We are here. - Uses spatial reference but not discourse deixis.
Option D:
I saw that in the conclusion. - Correct, uses 'that' and 'the conclusion' as discourse deixis.
14.
"Now" is a discourse deixis because it signals a part of the conversation.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Now" is a temporal deixis, which refers to words that indicate time relative to the moment of speaking. It does not signal a part of the conversation but rather indicates the present moment in relation to when it is spoken. Therefore, stating that "now" signals a part of the conversation would be incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "now" refers to time and not signaling parts of conversations.
Option B:
Correct because "now" is used to indicate the present moment, not a part of the conversation.
Option C:
Not applicable since only one correct answer exists.
Option D:
Not applicable as there is a clear and single correct answer.
15.
Now nobody could escape to the West; East Germans were truly prisoners of their own country. The Berlin Wall separated families and ruined people's lives.
A) Anaphoric.
B) Cataphoric.
C) Exophoric.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Cataphoric reference involves a word or phrase that refers to an antecedent that occurs later in the text. In this sentence, "East Germans were truly prisoners of their own country" refers back to the Berlin Wall and its effects mentioned at the end of the previous clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Anaphoric - Incorrect; anaphoric reference would refer to a preceding element.
Option B:
Cataphoric - Correct; it refers to information that comes after in the text.
Option C:
Exophoric - Incorrect; exophoric reference involves external context not present in the discourse.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect; cataphoric is the correct answer.
16.
News reporter from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia reports of the following:This city has witnessed a flood as a result of the heavy rain. This city refers to?
A) Spatial Deixis.
B) Temporal Deixis.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Spatial Deixis refers to the use of words that are relative to the speaker's location, time, or situation. In this context, "This city" is a spatial deictic expression because it points to Kuala Lumpur based on the reporter’s perspective.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The phrase "This city" indicates a reference to a specific location relative to the speaker's position.
Option B:
Incorrect. Temporal Deixis involves references to time, which is not applicable here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is provided by Option A.
17.
I could swim when I was a child. The temporal deixis "When" is?
A) Proximal forms.
B) Distal forms.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The temporal deixis "when" in the sentence "I could swim when I was a child" refers to a past time, which is further specified by the phrase "I was a child." This indicates that the action of swimming occurred at a point in the past relative to the speaker's current state. In linguistic terms, this type of temporal reference is considered distal because it points to a time that is not immediately present but rather located in the past.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Proximal forms refer to things close or immediate to the speaker, such as "now" or "here." This does not apply.
Option B:
Distal forms refer to times and places that are remote from the present, which fits this example perfectly.
Option C:
All the above is incorrect since only distal forms fit here.
Option D:
None of the above is also incorrect as option B correctly identifies the form used.
18.
Attributive use is regarding to a specific person who is referred to, although his/her name or some other description is not used.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Attributive use refers to a situation where information about a person is provided without explicitly naming them. This aligns with the definition given in the question, which states that attributive use is regarding to a specific person who is referred to, although his/her name or some other description is not used.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because the statement matches the definition provided.
Option B:
Correct as it accurately reflects that the given statement about attributive use is true.
Option C:
Incorrect since only one option can be correct in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect because there is a correct answer among the options provided.
19.
"Whenever I see Kristen, she wears that same coat." She and that refers to?
A) Temporal and Person Deixis.
B) Person and Spatial Deixis.
C) Temporal and Spatial Deixis.
D) Person Deixis.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Whenever I see Kristen, she wears that same coat." This sentence uses person deixis with "she" referring to Kristen and spatial deixis with "that same coat," indicating a location or position in relation to the speaker.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Temporal and Person Deixis - Incorrect, as there is no temporal element.
Option B:
Person and Spatial Deixis - Correct, "she" refers to a person (Kristen) and "that same coat" indicates spatial reference.
Option C:
Temporal and Spatial Deixis - Incorrect, as there is no temporal element.
Option D:
Person Deixis - Incorrect, as it does not account for the spatial reference to the coat.
20.
Now, today, tomorrow, and then are proximal deixis.
A) False.
B) True.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Proximal deixis refers to the use of words that indicate closeness, such as "now," "today," "tomorrow," and "here." These terms are used to refer to things in the immediate context or time. Therefore, stating that "Now, today, tomorrow, and then are proximal deixis" is incorrect because "then" indicates a distance in time rather than proximity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option is correct as it accurately identifies the error in the statement. "Then" does not fit the definition of proximal deixis.
Option B:
Incorrect, as the statement about proximal deixis is false.
Option C:
Incorrect, since only one option can be correct and A is accurate.
Option D:
Incorrect, as there is a clear correct answer in Option A.
21.
"Now" is an example of:
A) Proximal spatial deixis.
B) Distal temporal deixis.
C) Proximal temporal deixis.
D) Distal person deixis.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Now" is an example of proximal temporal deixis because it refers to the present moment in time, indicating something that is happening at this precise instant.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Proximal spatial deixis involves references to nearby objects or locations. "Now" does not refer to a location.
Option B:
Distal temporal deixis refers to times that are far from the present, such as "yesterday" or "tomorrow." "Now" is about the immediate present.
Option C:
Correct. Proximal temporal deixis indicates something happening at this precise moment.
Option D:
Distal person deixis refers to references to people, such as "he," "she," or "they." "Now" does not refer to a person.
22.
"My friend Anne is really gorgeous"What is My friend refers to?
A) Personal Deixis.
B) Textual Deixis.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In the sentence "My friend Anne is really gorgeous," "my friend" refers to a person known to both the speaker and the listener, which falls under personal deixis. Personal deixis involves references that are specific to individuals or groups of people.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "My friend Anne" is an example of personal deixis.
Option B:
Incorrect. Textual deixis refers to references within a text that depend on the context, such as pronouns or demonstratives like "this" and "that." "My friend Anne" does not fit this category.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence fits personal deixis, so it's not none of the above.
23.
She put them on, then she slipped out of bed and tiptoed over to the window.
A) Temporal-spatial.
B) Spatial-spatial.
C) Personal-spatial.
D) Personal (distal)-spatial.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence describes a sequence of actions: putting on something, moving from the bed to the window. "Slipped out of bed and tiptoed over to the window" indicates movement in space from one location (the bed) to another (near or by the window). This is an example of spatial deixis as it involves describing physical movement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Temporal-spatial - Incorrect, because there's no temporal reference.
Option B:
Spatial-spatial - Correct, as the sentence describes movement from one spatial location to another.
Option C:
Personal-spatial - Incorrect, because personal deixis would involve a pronoun or possessive adjective referring to the speaker or addressee.
Option D:
Personal (distal)-spatial - Incorrect, as there's no distal reference in the sentence.
24.
Which of the following is an example of personal deixis?
A) Before.
B) Here.
C) Today.
D) I.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Personal deixis refers to words that indicate the speaker or writer and are typically used to refer to people, places, times, or things related to the speaker's own context. "I" is a clear example of personal deixis as it directly points to the speaker.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Before - This is an adverb indicating time but not personal reference.
Option B:
Here - This can be used for personal deixis, but "I" more directly refers to the speaker.
Option C:
Today - This indicates a general time and does not refer to the speaker personally.
Option D:
I - Correct. Directly refers to the speaker or writer.
25.
What kind of deixis is the word "you" ?
A) Spatial.
B) Personal.
C) Social.
D) Temporal.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "you" is a personal deixis because it refers to the addressee of the speech, indicating the person being spoken to directly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Spatial deixis involves references to physical space and location. "You" does not refer to spatial positions.
Option B:
Correct. "You" refers to the addressee, making it a personal deixis.
Option C:
Social deixis concerns social relationships and roles. While "you" can imply formality or informality, its primary function is not social reference but personal address.
Option D:
Temporal deixis involves references to time. "You" does not indicate when something happens.
26.
News reporter from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia reports of the following:"This city has witnessed a flood as a result of the heavy rain."This city is an example of .....
A) Spatial deixis.
B) Temporal deixis.
C) Person deixis.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "deixis" refers to words that are dependent on extra-linguistic context for their interpretation, such as time, place, and person. In the given sentence, "This city has witnessed a flood as a result of the heavy rain," the phrase "this city" is an example of spatial deixis because it refers to a specific location in relation to the speaker or listener.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The term "this city" indicates a specific place, which aligns with the definition of spatial deixis.
Option B:
Incorrect. Temporal deixis involves references to time (e.g., now, yesterday), not location.
Option C:
Incorrect. Person deixis refers to personal pronouns like "I," "you," or "he/she," which are not used in the given sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence clearly demonstrates a correct example of spatial deixis, making this option invalid.
27.
What is the deixis?
A) It is the pointing function of some words.
B) It is the utterance used to refer to something.
C) It is the relationship between two sentences.
D) It is the idea that people cooperate with each other.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Deixis refers to the use of language that is dependent on extra-linguistic context, such as time and place. The claimed correct answer A) It is the pointing function of some words accurately describes this concept because it highlights how certain words (like demonstratives "this" or "that") point to specific times, places, or objects in a given context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Demonstrative pronouns and adjectives like "this," "that," "here," and "now" function as pointers that rely on the immediate context for their meaning.
Option B:
Incorrect. While utterances can refer to things, this does not specifically capture the dependency on context which is central to deixis.
Option C:
Incorrect. The relationship between two sentences pertains more to coherence or cohesion rather than the contextual dependency of language.
Option D:
Incorrect. Deixis is about linguistic elements that depend on situational context, not cooperative interaction itself.
28.
In terms of anaphoric reference, the second or subsequent expression is the anaphor. What is the anaphor in the example below? In conclusion, we have no right to decide whether or not wild animals should exist, and I believe that we should do everything we can to protect them.
A) Them.
B) Everything.
C) We.
D) Wild animals.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The anaphor in the given sentence is "them". The pronoun "them" refers back to "wild animals", which are mentioned earlier in the sentence and serve as the antecedent for "them".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Them. Correct, because it clearly refers to wild animals.
Option B:
Everything. Incorrect, as it does not have a clear referent in this context.
Option C:
We. Incorrect, as "we" is the subject of the second clause and does not have an antecedent.
Option D:
Wild animals. Incorrect, because wild animals are the antecedent, not the anaphor.
29.
What does the term 'deixis' originate from?
A) Spanish meaning 'to refer'.
B) Greek meaning 'to point'.
C) Latin meaning 'to indicate'.
D) French meaning 'to show'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term 'deixis' originates from Greek, meaning 'to point'. This etymology accurately reflects the nature of deixis in discourse, which involves referring to elements that are contextually bound and often require a pointing gesture or other contextual cues for full understanding.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Spanish meaning 'to refer' - Incorrect. The term does not originate from Spanish.
Option B:
Greek meaning 'to point' - Correct. This accurately reflects the etymology of the term.
Option C:
Latin meaning 'to indicate' - Incorrect. While related, it is not the correct origin.
Option D:
French meaning 'to show' - Incorrect. The term does not originate from French.
30.
"Back then" is temporal deixis.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Back then" is a temporal deixis, which refers to words that change their meaning depending on the time and context in which they are used. This term correctly identifies "back then" as a reference to a past time relative to the present moment of speech or writing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
True, because "back then" is indeed a temporal deixis that indicates a past time frame.
Option B:
False, as it accurately describes "back then."
Option C:
All the above, not applicable since only one option (A) is correct.
Option D:
None of the above, incorrect because Option A is true.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is deixis in discourse?
Deixis in discourse refers to the use of words that are context-dependent, such as pronouns and demonstratives, which rely on external factors like time, space, or social context for their interpretation.
How does personal deixis work in a conversation?
Personal deixis involves the use of pronouns like "I," "you," and "we" to refer to specific individuals or groups, often based on their role within the discourse. These references help clarify who is being addressed or involved.
What distinguishes anaphoric from cataphoric reference?
Anaphoric reference involves words that refer back to previously mentioned entities, while cataphoric reference refers forward to information that will be introduced later in the discourse. Both types of references help maintain coherence and flow in a conversation.
Can you give an example of spatial deixis?
Spatial deixis uses words like "here," "there," or "over there" to indicate locations relative to the speaker, listener, or a specific point in space. These terms are context-dependent and change meaning based on the situation.
Why is understanding temporal deixis important?
Understanding temporal deixis, which involves words like "now," "then," or "tomorrow" that refer to points in time, is crucial for grasping the sequence and timing of events in a discourse. It helps listeners follow the timeline of actions or discussions.