Demonstrative pronouns in Kina Rutul

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of exophoric uses of
demonstrative pronouns in the Kina variety of Rutul (Lezgic, East Caucasian). We
collected the questionnaire designed by Wilkins (1999) from seven female native
speakers of different ages to determine the spatial meanings of demonstrative pronouns
and to identify secondary parameters affecting the use of pronouns, such as visibility
of the object and boundaries of the living space. The demonstrative system of Kina
Rutul proved to be polycentric (person-oriented). In addition, we found a difference in
use of the distal demonstrative. Some speakers use it considering the distance to both
participants, while others use it only as a speaker (and not addressee) oriented term.
We suppose that this difference might correlate with the speakers’ age and be evidence
in favour of a potential change in the system of demonstrative pronouns in the modern
language.