Why all languages have words for 'this' and 'that'

Researchers have found that languages around the world have words for 'this' and 'that'.  The 45-strong international team studied 29 languages from around the world including English, Spanish, Norwegian, Japanese, Mandarin, Tzeltal and Telugu. They wanted to see how more than 1,000 speakers use demonstratives -- words that show where something is in relation to a person talking such as 'this cat' or 'that dog'.

Researchers have found that languages around the world have words for 'this' and 'that'.  The 45-strong international team studied 29 languages from around the world including English, Spanish, Norwegian, Japanese, Mandarin, Tzeltal and Telugu. They wanted to see how more than 1,000 speakers use demonstratives -- words that show where something is in relation to a person talking such as 'this cat' or 'that dog'.

Read more https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231030141407.htm