Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Deictic Center

Definition: 

A deictic center is a reference point in relation to which a deictic expression is to be interpreted.

Discussion: 

The deictic center is most typically the present time, location, participant role, and so forth of the speaker.

Examples: 

(English)

  • In the following example, the speaker, the actual location and the actual time of the utterance are, respectively, the deictic centers for the interpretation of I, here, and now:
    • I’m over here now.
Source: 
83–85

Glossary Hierarchy