Abstract

The features of temporal discourse are investigated through an analysis of temporal indexicals ("now," "then") and their analogues (tenses). temporal indexicals offer an interesting view on the behavior of indexicals in general. they form a system, which is characterized not only by considerable complexity in the mechanisms of reference, but also by an intricate web of relations between "temporal perspectives" commonly associated with their use. it is argued that the complexity of perspectival relations is, nevertheless, coped with successfully in communication, thanks to some strong internal (logical) and external (physical) constraints, which enable the speaker and the hearer to communicate successfully