Etymological determinate particles in Erzya word derivation

This paper discusses three groups of derivates in the Erzya Mordvinian language etymologically associated with the deictic pronoun se 'that (egocentric, distal)'. Each group of derivatives is, historically, from a different period, and therefore each one is dealt with separately. The individual groups are examined for deictic and discourse features. Examples have been taken from grammars, and there are also ones produced by native speakers. It appears that the more opaque the derivation the less deictic its use. Finally, not all of the groups are equally acceptable among native speakers, and it would appear that at least the latter two groups merit an in-depth investigation according to dialect and age group of users.