SOCIODEIXIS AND TEXTUAL DEIXIS IN GERMAN RELIGIOUS TEXTS

Abstract

This study examines the distinctive features of sociodeixis and textual deixis in German religious texts. The research focuses on how social roles, hierarchical relations, and collective identities are expressed through sociodeictic markers, as well as how coherence and discourse structure are maintained through textual deictic elements. By analyzing selected religious writings, the study identifies patterns of address forms, honorifics, referential expressions, and discourse-organizational markers that shape the communicative dynamics of religious discourse. The findings highlight how deixis functions not only as a linguistic mechanism but also as a tool for reinforcing religious authority, tradition, and community identity.