Etymology
The word “this” comes from Old English þis, meaning “this, the nearest,” which is a derivative of Proto-Germanic þis, closely related to the Old High German dēs and Gothic þis. It has been used in English since the early Middle Ages to refer to something near in space, time, or concept.
Semantics
In semantics, “this” functions as both a demonstrative pronoun and a determiner. It is used to refer to a specific object, person, or concept that is near the speaker in time, space, or thought. Semantically, it includes:
- Proximity in Space: Refers to an object or person that is physically close to the speaker (e.g., “this book” indicates a book that is near the speaker).
- Proximity in Time: Refers to events or moments occurring in the present or near future (e.g., “this morning” refers to the current morning).
- Proximity in Thought: Refers to an idea, concept, or point recently mentioned or currently under discussion (e.g., “This is what I mean”).
Examples of Use:
- Proximity in Space: “This chair is more comfortable.”
- Proximity in Time: “This week has been busy.”
- Proximity in Thought: “This is the solution we’ve been looking for.”
Syntax
“This” functions both as a demonstrative pronoun and a determiner, depending on its syntactic role in a sentence. It is singular and refers to a specific object, person, or idea, as opposed to “these,” which is its plural counterpart. Its syntactic behavior includes:
- Determiner: “This car is mine.” (modifying a noun)
- Pronoun: “This is my favorite book.” (replacing a noun)
Common Collocations:
- Adjectives and Nouns: This week, this problem, this idea.
- Prepositions: “This is for you,” “this with your approval.”
Pragmatics
Pragmatically, “this” is used to draw attention to something specific, whether in speech or writing. It can refer to something physically close or to a point being made in a conversation or argument. Its pragmatic functions include:
- Clarification: “This” is often used to clarify or emphasize a specific object, idea, or argument in the immediate context.
- Focus: It serves to focus attention on a particular item or concept, especially in conversations where multiple objects or ideas may be under discussion.
- Introduction: “This” is frequently used to introduce something new or important to the conversation or narrative.
Pragmatic Example:
In conversation: “This is the reason why I believe we should change our approach.”
Grammar and Units of Language
“This” is a demonstrative pronoun and determiner. As a singular form, it is used to refer to one specific item or concept. The plural form “these” refers to multiple items or concepts. “This” is typically used in present or near-future contexts, but it can also refer to recent past events.
- Determiner Use: As a determiner, “this” modifies a noun to indicate its proximity to the speaker (e.g., “this house”).
- Pronoun Use: As a pronoun, “this” replaces a noun and refers directly to something specific in the context (e.g., “This is important”).
Inflections:
- Singular: This (for singular items or concepts).
- Plural: These (for multiple items or concepts).
Nomenclature and Terminology
“This” has a specific role in English grammar as a demonstrative pronoun and determiner. It helps to indicate which object, person, or idea is being referred to in relation to the speaker.
- Demonstrative Pronoun: Refers to a specific noun and stands alone without directly modifying another noun (e.g., “This is my decision”).
- Determiner: Modifies a noun and specifies which particular noun is being referred to (e.g., “This report needs to be revised”).
- Proximity Marker: “This” serves as a marker for closeness or nearness in space, time, or thought.
Related Terminology:
- That: A demonstrative pronoun and determiner that indicates distance from the speaker, as opposed to “this,” which indicates nearness.
- These: The plural form of “this,” used to refer to multiple objects or concepts near the speaker.
- Those: The plural form of “that,” used to refer to multiple objects or concepts farther from the speaker.
Contextual, Implied, and Defined Connotations
“This” carries connotations of immediacy and proximity, depending on the context in which it is used:
- Physical Closeness: “This” typically implies that the object or person being referred to is physically near the speaker (e.g., “This table is perfect”).
- Temporal Proximity: When used in relation to time, “this” refers to events happening in the present or near future, or just recently in the past (e.g., “This evening”).
- Conceptual Closeness: In abstract or conceptual contexts, “this” refers to ideas or topics that are currently being discussed or thought about (e.g., “This idea could change everything”).
Example of Defined Connotation:
- In storytelling: “This is where the story begins, right at the heart of the conflict.”
Coherent Cohesion in Communication
“This” plays a crucial role in maintaining cohesion and coherence in communication by linking the speaker’s or writer’s attention to a specific object, idea, or point. Its use ensures that listeners or readers can easily follow references in discourse.
- Cohesion: “This” helps maintain logical flow in conversation or writing by directly pointing to specific items, ideas, or arguments that have been previously mentioned or are being introduced.
- Coherence: Using “this” in speech or writing ensures that the focus remains clear, as it directs attention to a specific noun, idea, or point within the context.
Example of Coherence in an Argument:
“This is why we need to reconsider our strategy.”—Here, “this” refers to the specific reasons that were just mentioned, keeping the argument coherent.
Universal Interpretation
The concept of “this” is universally understood across languages and cultures, though the exact word or form may differ. Most languages have a way to indicate proximity, whether physical or conceptual, and to distinguish between what is near and what is far from the speaker.
- Proximity Indicators: Many languages use similar demonstratives to distinguish between near and far objects or ideas. For example, Spanish uses “este” for “this” and “ese” for “that.”
- Contextual Use: The idea of indicating something close to the speaker, either physically or conceptually, is a universal feature in human languages.
Cross-linguistic Example:
- In Spanish: “Este libro” (This book) indicates the book is near the speaker.
- In Japanese: “Kore” (This) functions similarly to indicate something near the speaker.
Example of Using “This”
- In Everyday Life: “This is my favorite place to eat.”
- In Formal Writing: “This report highlights the key findings from the study.”
Conclusion
“This” is a demonstrative pronoun and determiner that indicates proximity in space, time, or thought. It is used to point to specific objects, people, or ideas that are near the speaker or are being directly referred to in the context. As a fundamental part of language, “this” plays a crucial role in maintaining clear, cohesive communication by helping to specify exactly what is being discussed or referred to, whether in conversation, writing, or formal discourse.