Experiencing space: Some uses of Japanese proximal spatial deictic expressions

Abstract

This study explores aspects of experiencing space, focusing on uses of the Japanese proximal spatial deictic expressions (JPSDs). These expressions may or may not be accompanied by a pointing gesture. In the analysis of interactions between the driver and passengers during a car trip, this study compares the uses of JPSDs and investigates how the participants organize their spatial experiences. It makes three observations: (1) a JPSD used with a pointing gesture differentiates a spatial feature as its referent in the environment, (2) a JPSD without a pointing gesture refers to the participants' current location and organizes the location as experienced in the temporal unfolding of the ongoing driving activity, and (3) a pointing gesture, accompanying a JPSD referring to the participants’ current location, positions this location in its geographical relationships with other landmarks. How spatial experiences are organized varies according to what activity the participants are currently engaging in. Spatial experiences involve temporal and social dimensions.