Logophoricity in discourse

Abstract

Abstract This paper deals with the notion of logophoricity as a phenomenon pertaining to discourse, not grammar. An examination of the discourse role configurations (discourse environments) proposed by Peter Sells has shown that particular configurations are either overloaded by role-multiplication or non-specific. Instead of discourse environments, a general pragmatic matrix (a non-overt abstract sentence) is suggested, anchoring any utterance event to the current speaker’s perspective, including his/her communicative activity and temporal and spatial location. The role of the pragmatic matrix shows that all utterance events can be considered logophoric. At the same time, the pragmatic matrix underlines specific properties of explicit performative formulae.