ABSTRACT
Pronouns and noun phrases are sometimes distinguished in terms of their ability to function as shifters. Pronouns are said to have the shifter function while noun phrases are referring expressions that can be used as shifters but do not have such function. This chapter discusses this distinction by considering the syntax and pragmatics of pronouns and noun phrases in languages of Southeast Asia. It is suggested that this distinction may need to be rethought in light of evidence from these languages, and that a broader sense of function that integrates grammatical and sociopragmatic considerations would better serve analytical purposes.
