Abstract
The purpose of this project is to construct a model of language and communication that accounts for the special properties of local pronouns (pronouns such as ?you? and ?I/me?). The development of a theoretical model of how human beings refer to themselves and their conversational partners in face-to-face communication will lead to specific claims on the organization of grammar. In particular, the model seeks to capture the interplay between the two core functions of language, (objective) description and (subjective) interaction. To develop such a model, local pronouns will be investigated with respect to a wide variety of languages as well as different channels of communication (text, speech and sign). The ultimate aim of this project is to account for the special characteristics of local pronouns against the backdrop of their origin as the most elementary referents in face-to-face communication.