nounindicating

nounindicating is a term used in linguistics to describe a noun that functions to point out or identify a specific entity, concept, or idea. This function is distinct from nouns that merely name a category. For example, in the sentence "That book on the table is mine," the word "book" names a category, while "that" and "book" together, or perhaps just "that" as a determiner modifying "book," serve to indicate a particular book.

The concept of nounindicating is closely related to demonstratives and other deictic expressions. Demonstrative pronouns and adjectives, such as "this," "that," "these," and "those," are prime examples of words that facilitate nounindicating. They establish a connection between the noun and the context of the utterance, often by referencing proximity in space or time, or by drawing on shared knowledge between the speaker and listener.

While demonstratives are a clear manifestation of nounindicating, other linguistic devices can also contribute to this function. The use of definite articles ("the") can also indicate a specific, already identified noun. Furthermore, possessive pronouns and determiners ("my," "your," "his," "her," "its," "our," "their") can indicate a specific noun by associating it with a particular possessor. The precise grammatical and semantic mechanisms by which nouns are indicated can vary significantly across languages.