Abstract:

The dissertation argues that the cognitive basis for the understanding of Comanche narrative must incorporate an understanding of perspective. This takes place through the use of Deictic Center Theory. One of the primary interests is in how one adopts a referential perspective slanted toward certain characters in a storyworld (the WHO ) and a psychological perspective of a character's subjective experience, especially as pertains to perception (represented perception). Also examined is the further potential for spatial and temporal perspective (the WHERE and WHEN ) to be of use in facilitating correct perspectival interpretations. In the course of investigation, a range of grammatical devices are investigated: grammatical roles, preposing, directionals, aspect and obviation. These are identified as cues which serve to manipulate perspective in a variety of ways, highlighting in some cases the formation of represented perception. The examination culminates with a global study of how represented perception and other manipulations of perspective contribute in critical ways to referential continuity.