The Discourse Function of New-this

Abstract

This paper considers the discourse function of "new-this," a term adopted from Wald(1983) in various contexts. According to Pince(1981) and Wald (1983), the main function of the indefinite usage of this is to introduce a new referent into discourse. Also, it has been said that new-this is closely associated with topicality, that is, new-this serves to introduce a referent that is going to be talked about, i.e. a new topic. However, providing the examples, I claim that topicality of new-this in relation to the continuing discourse is not an inherent function of new-this. I propose that the discourse function of new-this is to introduce a new referent and make it highlighted. This paper also includes a discussion of vividness of new-this. In a discourse describing past experiences, new-this seems to make the story vivid. This might be a case of semantic expansion of this as a demonstrative. Since this has the basic meaning of temporal and spatial closeness, new-this also has the effect of bringing a referent from the past into the present, and bringing a past referent in front of the hearer's eyes. This research shows that new-this is used as a means of effective communication.