The Indexicality of Language

The indexicality of language refers to the way words and expressions point to or indicate specific contexts, people, or situations. For example, when someone says "I" or "here," these words depend on who is speaking and where they are. The meaning of these words changes based on the context in which they're used. Essentially, indexicality highlights that language isn’t fully abstract; its meaning often depends on the speaker, timing, location, and shared understanding at the moment of communication.