Selfmention

Self-mention is a linguistic and discourse phenomenon in which the speaker or writer explicitly refers to themselves within a text or conversation. It encompasses first-person pronouns such as I, we, me, and my, as well as proper names, self-referential phrases, and reflexive forms used to foreground the speaker. Self-mention can appear in everyday speech, academic writing, journalism, fiction, and online communication.

Self-mention is distinct from general reference or self-reference in that it foregrounds the speaker rather than simply indicating a topic or object. For example, "I think this method works" explicitly marks the speaker’s stance, whereas "this method works" does not. Self-mention may also be meta-textual when a statement refers to its own status as a statement, as in "This sentence contains the word I." In some languages, pronoun use is optional, yet writers may still choose to include explicit self-mentions for emphasis or clarity.

The functions of self-mention include signaling stance and attitude, establishing credibility or autonomy, guiding the reader’s alignment with the narrator, and creating a particular voice or personality. It can be used for humor, self-deprecation, or to build intimacy with the audience. In narrative and autobiographical genres, self-mention tends to be more frequent and deliberate, while in objective or highly formal writing it is often minimized.

Cross-linguistic and stylistic variation affects how self-mention is realized. Some languages rely on pro-drop syntax to omit explicit subjects, while others routinely use pronouns for emphasis or politeness. Overuse of self-mentions can be perceived as narcissistic or subjective, whereas careful use can enhance clarity, credibility, and reader engagement.