thematic role assignment sentence production

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Selective impairment of thematic role assignment in sentence processing

1991, Brain and Language

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Agrammatism is a language disorder characterised by a morphological and/or syntactic deficit in spontaneous speech. Such deficits are usually associated with comprehension disorders - though it is said that this is not always the case - which result in a certain degree of variability in syntactic, lexical, and morpholexical performance. The purpose of this study is to reconsider the nature of comprehension disorders in agrammatism, to test whether Grodzinsky"s Trace Deletion Hypothesis (TDH) can be generalised to all agrammatic patients, and to ascertain whether the pattern of impairment observed in agrammatism differs from that present in fluent aphasic patients. Eleven agrammatic patients were tested by means of a sentence comprehension task comprising simple active and passive reversible sentences. The performance of the agrammatic patients was compared to that of 16 fluent aphasic (10 Wernicke"s and 6 conduction) and 10 control subjects. The deficits observed in the agrammatic subjects were compatible with the TDH, but there was also impaired processing of pronouns (elements that are also subject to movement) and a mild deficit on the processing of simple active sentences. The fluent aphasic patients showed a similar pattern of impairment. A logistic regression analysis was then applied to each single case separately, in order to study the homogeneity of the patients" performance within each aphasic subgroup. Of the 11 agrammatic patients, 3 did not show comprehension disorders, 5 had a specific deficit for passive movement, 1 a lexical deficit for pronouns only, and 1 a pattern of impairment compatible with Linebarger et al."s trade-off theory. The last patient showed a deficit for simple active reversible sentences compatible with damage to the mapping of grammatical functions to thematic roles. Similar patterns of impairment were also found in the fluent aphasic sample. Overall, the results lead to the conclusion that the TDH cannot be generalised to all agrammatic patients, that the mechanism it invokes is not the only source responsible for agrammatic comprehension disorders and also contributes to comprehension disorders in fluent aphasic patients.

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Thematic Roles: Unveiling the Hidden Roles in Sentences

• Article's photo | Credit Built In
• Have you ever stopped to think about the unseen structure behind a simple sentence? Languages might seem straightforward on the surface, but linguists delve deeper to understand the intricate relationships between words and their meaning. One fascinating area is thematic roles , which shed light on the various parts a noun phrase can play within a sentence.

What are Thematic Roles?

In linguistics, thematic roles , also known as semantic roles or theta roles , refer to the underlying relationships between verbs and the noun phrases (NPs) that complete their meaning. These roles define the function each NP plays within the action or event described by the verb. They tell us who or what is doing the action, being affected by it, or experiencing it.

While the syntactic structure of a sentence delineates the grammatical relationships between words, thematic roles delves into the semantic relationships, offering insights into who does what to whom in a sentence.

Manifestations of Thematic Roles: Bringing Sentences to Life

Thematic roles are the hidden actors behind the scenes in a sentence. They define how noun phrases (NPs) contribute to the verb's action or state, making sentences not just grammatically correct but also meaningful. Let's delve into how these roles manifest in various forms:

Agent (Actor): The Initiator with Intent

The agent, also called the actor, is the dynamic force that initiates or causes the action expressed by the verb. They act with volition, meaning they have the intention or will to perform the action. Here are some additional points to consider:

Active Voice: The baker (Agent) baked a cake. (The baker clearly initiates the baking.)

Passive Voice: The cake was baked (verb, passive voice) by the baker (Agent). (The prepositional phrase "by the baker" clarifies the agent, even though it's not the subject.)

Implied Agent: The window shattered. (While the agent isn't explicitly mentioned, we can infer an outside force caused the shattering.)

• Agentivity Hierarchy: Some verbs inherently imply a greater degree of agency than others. For instance, "kick" suggests a more willful action than "fall."

Patient (Theme): The Entity Undergoing Change

The patient, also sometimes referred to as the theme, is the entity most directly affected by the action described in the sentence. It undergoes a change of state, location, or possession as a result of the verb's action. Here's a closer look at the patient/theme role:

• Direct Impact: The patient is the entity on which the action has a direct impact. It's often the object of the verb in the active voice.
• Change of State: The patient can undergo a physical change (e.g., "The storm destroyed (verb) the house (Patient).") or a more abstract change (e.g., "She feared (verb) spiders (Patient).").

"We discussed the problem (Theme)."

The "problem" is the main entity being talked about, even though it doesn't physically change.

Experiencer: Witnessing the Mental World

The experiencer's thematic role represents the entity that undergoes a mental state, perception, or emotion described by the verb. Unlike the agent who initiates an action, the experiencer is the one having the experience itself. Here's a breakdown of the experiencer role:

• Internal World: The experiencer represents the internal world of the entity, encompassing their thoughts, feelings, and sensory perceptions.

"She ( Experiencer ) saw (verb) a UFO (Patient)." (She is the one having the experience of seeing, not necessarily the UFO itself.)

Types of Experiences

The experiencer role can encompass various types of mental states:

"He (Experiencer) smelled (verb) smoke (Patient)." (He is the one detecting the smell.)

"They (Experiencer) felt (verb) relieved (Experiencer's emotion) after the exam (Patient)." (They are the ones experiencing relief after the exam.)

"I (Experiencer) remember (verb) our childhood home (Patient)." (I am the one recalling the memory.)

Instrument (Means): The Tool for the Action

The instrument signifies the tool or intermediary object used to carry out the action. It's typically inanimate and doesn't act on its own but is used by the agent. Here are some additional details about the instrument role:

• Facilitating the Action: The instrument plays a crucial role in enabling the action to happen. It's the means by which the agent achieves the desired outcome.

Example with Instrument: "He sliced the salami with a knife (Instrument)." (The knife is the tool used for slicing.)

Example without Instrument: "She kicked the ball." (No instrument is involved in the kicking action.)

Goal (Recipient): The Endpoint or Destination of an Action

The goal role signifies the intended destination or the endpoint towards which an action or movement is directed. It often answers the question "where does something go?" Here's a breakdown of the goal role:

Example: "He sent a birthday card to his wife (Goal).

"The wife" is the intended recipient of the birthday card.

Example: He went upstairs (Goal).

"Upstairs" is the endpoint of his movement.

Example: She baked a cake for the party (Goal).

"The party" is the occasion that benefits from the cake being baked.

Source: The Starting Point of an Action or Event

The source thematic role pinpoints the location or origin from which something moves, comes into existence, or is caused. It often answers the question "where does something come from?" Here are some elaborations on the source role:

I took the book from the library (Source).

The library is the starting point from where the book is taken.

The rumor originated from a social media post (Source).

The social media post is the starting point from which the rumor spread.

Location: The Place Where the Action Unfolds

The location role specifies the setting or the place where an action or state exists. It can encompass both physical space and time. Here's a further exploration of the location role:

The wallet was under the bed (Location).

Here, "the bed" specifies the physical location of the wallet.

He came at ten o'clock (Location - time).

"Ten o'clock" specifies the time of his arrival.

We were lost in thought (Location).

"In thought" represents their abstract mental state.

By recognizing these thematic roles, we gain a deeper understanding of how sentences function and how meaning is conveyed. They bridge the gap between grammar and meaning, revealing the intricate relationships between words in a sentence.

The Significance of Thematic Roles

Thematic roles go far beyond simply labeling parts of a sentence. They hold immense significance in linguistic analysis, unlocking a deeper understanding of how we construct and interpret meaning. Here's how these hidden players contribute:

• Semantic Clarity: Thematic roles bridge the gap between syntax (sentence structure) and semantics (meaning). By identifying who does what and to whom (Agent, Patient, etc.), we can grasp the relationships between the verb and the participants involved, leading to a clearer understanding of the sentence's overall meaning.
• Disambiguation: Sentences can sometimes be ambiguous, with multiple interpretations. Thematic roles act as detectives, helping us resolve these ambiguities. For example, in the sentence "The manager praised the player," who is doing the praising and who is being praised is clear due to the thematic roles of Agent (manager) and Patient (player).
• Universal Understanding: Thematic roles transcend the boundaries of individual languages. They offer insights into how we, as humans, conceptualize events and entities. This universality allows us to compare and understand sentence structures across different languages.

In essence, thematic roles are the hidden gears that make the machinery of language function smoothly. They not only ensure clear communication within a language but also shed light on how humans think and express ideas across cultures.

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Thematic role assignment in two severely aphasic patients: associations and dissociations

Affiliation.

• 1 Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Maryland at Baltimore, USA.
• PMID: 7728517
• DOI: 10.1006/brln.1995.1010

Two severely aphasic patients were compared in their abilities to comprehend and produce locative prepositional phrases and reversible S-V-O sentences using English and C-VIC, a computer-based iconographic communication system. One patient demonstrated a significant dissociation between his performance in interpreting symbol order in C-VIC prepositional phrases vs. S-V-O sentences. Patients were able to comprehend order in C-VIC S-V-O sentences significantly better than they were able to assign symbol order when they produced these sentences. These data suggest that the procedures for assigning thematic roles to nouns in sentences are at least partially distinct for comprehension and production and that the ordering of nouns around prepositions involves conceptual processes distinct from those involved in ordering nouns around verbs.

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How to Write a Thematic Essay with an Example

Samuel Gorbold

A thematic essay is a piece of writing that explores a central idea or theme that is common to multiple texts. To write it, you need to carefully analyze the texts, identify the theme, and develop a strong argument.

This article will explain what is a thematic essay and provide you with a step-by-step guide to writing one. We will cover everything from choosing a theme to revising and editing your final draft. If you're still struggling with your thematic essay after reading this article, EssayHub is your go-to resource for expert help. Remember, our team of skilled writers can tackle any essay, big or small - all you have to do is to just ask - write my essays online .

How to Write a Thematic Essay?

A thematic essay requires careful analysis and thoughtful interpretation. Follow these steps to craft an essay that effectively explores the theme of your chosen texts.

1. Choose a Theme

• Identify common elements: Look for recurring themes, symbols, motifs, or characters that appear across the texts.
• Consider the author's intent: Think about what the author might be trying to convey through these elements.

2. Analyze the Texts

• Gather evidence: Collect specific quotes, examples, and details from the texts that support your chosen theme.
• Analyze the evidence: Explain how these examples illustrate the theme and contribute to the overall meaning of the texts.

3. Develop a Thesis Statement

• Create a clear and concise statement: Your thesis statement should express the central idea of your essay and outline the main points you will discuss.
• Make a claim: Your thesis should go beyond simply stating the theme; it should make a claim about how the theme is significant or relevant.

4. Organize Your Essay

• Create a strong introduction: Your introduction should grab the reader's attention, provide necessary background information, and present your thesis statement.
• Develop your body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your thesis statement, providing evidence and analysis to support your argument.
• Write a conclusion: Your conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new way.

5. Revise and Edit

• Check for clarity and coherence: Make sure your ideas are clearly expressed and logically connected.
• Proofread for errors: Correct any grammatical, spelling, or punctuation mistakes.

How to Start a Thematic Essay?

The thematic essay introduction should provide necessary background information and clearly present your thesis statement. Here are some tips for writing a strong introduction:

• Hook the Reader: To effectively write a thematic essay introduction, pose a question that relates to your theme and makes the reader curious. Alternatively, share a brief story or illustration that connects to your theme and captures the reader's attention.
• Provide Necessary Background: Briefly mention the titles and authors of the works you will be analyzing. Afterward, give a brief overview of the historical, cultural, or social context of the texts if relevant.
• Present Your Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should express the central idea of your essay. It should go beyond simply stating the theme and make a claim about how the theme is significant or relevant.

Example Introduction:

Theme: The theme of the corrupting influence of power is explored in both "Animal Farm" by George Orwell and "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding.

Introduction:

The abuse of power is a timeless theme that has been explored in countless works of literature. George Orwell's "Animal Farm" and William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" both delve into the destructive consequences of unchecked authority. In "Animal Farm," the pigs, who initially represent the ideals of equality and fairness, gradually become tyrannical dictators. Similarly, in "Lord of the Flies," the boys' descent into savagery is fueled by their struggle for dominance and control. By examining these texts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human tendency to succumb to the temptations of power and the devastating consequences that can result.

Thematic Essay Outline

Once you have a strong thesis statement, it's time to organize your ideas into a coherent thematic essay structure. An outline will help you structure your essay and ensure that all of your points are relevant and well-supported. Let's consider this example outline:

• Theme: The corrupting influence of power in "Animal Farm" and "Lord of the Flies"
• Hook: Quote about the dangers of unchecked power
• Background information on the novels
• Thesis statement: Both "Animal Farm" and "Lord of the Flies" explore the corrupting influence of power, demonstrating how unchecked authority can lead to tyranny and violence.
• Topic sentence: In "Animal Farm," the pigs gradually become tyrannical dictators.
• Evidence: Cite specific examples of the pigs' abuse of power.
• Analysis: Explain how the pigs' actions demonstrate the corrupting influence of power.
• Transition: Similarly, in "Lord of the Flies," the boys' descent into savagery is fueled by their struggle for dominance.
• Evidence: Cite specific examples of the boys' violent behavior.
• Analysis: Explain how the boys' actions demonstrate the corrupting influence of power.
• Topic sentence: Both novels explore the theme of the loss of innocence.
• Evidence: Cite specific examples of characters losing their innocence.
• Analysis: Explain how the loss of innocence is connected to the corrupting influence of power.
• Restatement of thesis
• Summary of main points
• Final thought: The corrupting influence of power is a timeless theme that has relevance in today's world.

Thematic Essay Format

The format of your thematic essay should be clear, consistent, and easy to follow. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

Thematic Essay Example

We've crafted a thematic essay example to illustrate the principles discussed in the previous sections. It's a great way to learn how to structure your own essay and make a strong argument.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, writing a thematic essay involves several key steps:

• Identifying a common theme across multiple texts.
• Gathering and analyzing evidence to support your theme.
• Crafting a clear thesis statement.
• Organizing your essay with a strong introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a compelling conclusion.
• Revising and editing for clarity, coherence, and accuracy.

If you're struggling with your thematic essay, we can provide expert guidance and support. Don't forget, our team of writers can help you with any type of essay, from argumentative to expository.

How to Write a Good Hook for a Thematic Essay?

What is the point of a thematic essay, how do you start a thematic essay.

Samuel Gorbold , a seasoned professor with over 30 years of experience, guides students across disciplines such as English, psychology, political science, and many more. Together with EssayHub, he is dedicated to enhancing student understanding and success through comprehensive academic support.

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