The Deixis and the Definiteness Restriction in There-Constructions

Yoko Kawamura

Definite noun phrases (NP’s) cannot usually occur in the post-verbal NP position of existential there-sentences. However, they can appear freely in list there-sentences. Thus, the definiteness restriction on NP’s is considered to be a basic characteristic of existential there-sentences. The aim of this paper is to explain why the NP’s of list there-sentences are free from the definiteness restriction from a cognitive linguistic point of view.

Lakoff assumes that there-constructions form a prototype-based category. This assumption makes it possible to regard list there-sentences as a sub-construction of deictic there-constructions. This paper clarifies that the common feature between the two constructions is that both of them are speech act constructions, that is, constructions that are restricted in their use to expressing the illocutionary force of pointing out. Consequently, this paper concludes that the deixis involved in the speech act is considered to determine the acceptability of the occurrence of the definite NP’s in there-constructions.