Why all languages have words for 'this' and 'that'

Researchers have found that languages around the world have words for 'this' and 'that'.  The 45-strong international team studied 29 languages from around the world including English, Spanish, Norwegian, Japanese, Mandarin, Tzeltal and Telugu. They wanted to see how more than 1,000 speakers use demonstratives -- words that show where something is in relation to a person talking such as 'this cat' or 'that dog'.

Why all languages have words for 'this' and 'that'
Researchers have found that languages around the world have words for 'this' and 'that'.  The 45-strong international team studied 29 languages from around the world including English, Spanish, Norwegian, Japanese, Mandarin, Tzeltal and Telugu. They wanted to see how more than 1,000 speakers use demonstratives -- words that show where something is in relation to a person talking such as 'this cat' or 'that dog'.

What's Your Reaction?

like

dislike

love

funny

angry

sad

wow