Semantics Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Welcome back to the semantics lecture series.
• Previous discussion: levels of semantic analysis (word, sentence, utterance level).
• Focus of this lecture: Thematic Roles in semantics.

Thematic Roles Overview

• Reference: John I. Saeed's Semantics, Chapter 6.
• Each constituent part of a sentence serves a role in semantics:
  • Example: "John kicked the ball."
    • John: Subject (Agent)
    • Kicked: Verb
    • The ball: Object (Theme)

Importance of Thematic Roles

• Thematic roles help understand how syntax and meaning interact.
• Example of passive voice: "A ball is kicked by John."
  • The ball: Becomes the subject and retains the role of Theme.

Basic Thematic Roles

1. Agent

   • Initiator of an action with volition.
   • Example: "John kicked the ball."
     • John: Agent (animates and capable of decision).
   • Example: "The rock fell on the boy."
     • Rock: Not an agent (inanimate).

2. Patient

   • Entity undergoing the effects of an action.
   • Example: "John pruned the trees."
     • Trees: Patient (undergoing change).

3. Theme

   • Entity moved by an action or whose location is described.
   • Example: "Mary threw the ball."
     • Ball: Theme (moving entity).
   • Example: "Mary hid the ball under the table."
     • Ball: Theme (location described).

4. Experiencer

   • Entity aware of an action/state but not in control of it.
   • Example: "John looked at the moon."
     • John: Agent (looking with volition).
   • Example: "John saw the moon."
     • John: Experiencer (saw without intention).

5. Beneficiary

   • Entity benefiting from the action.
   • Example: "John bought Mary a car."
     • Mary: Beneficiary (gained benefit).

6. Recipient

   • Subtype of Beneficiary; involved in possession change.
   • Example: "John sold the car to Mary."
     • Mary: Recipient (receives the car).

7. Goal

   • Entity towards which something moves.
   • Example: "John walked to school."
     • School: Goal (destination).

8. Location

   • Place where something is situated or takes place.
   • Example: "John hung the painting on the wall."
     • Wall: Location (where the painting is).

9. Source

   • Entity from which something moves.
   • Example: "John walked from school."
     • School: Source (origin of movement).

10. Instrument

    • Means by which an action is performed.
    • Example: "John hit Bob with a stick."
      • Stick: Instrument (means of action).

Conclusion

• These thematic roles provide a framework for understanding the relationships between entities in sentences.
• Lecture wraps up with a summary of thematic roles discussed.