Understanding Theme and Function in Language
Explore the concepts of theme and function in language including topical, interpersonal, and textual themes. Learn how themes come first in a clause and can be assigned transitivity functions, moods, and more. See examples and visual representations to enhance your understanding.
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Presentation Transcript
Functions Ideational function - transitivity/processes Interpersonal function mood (declarative, interrogative, imperative, etc.) Textual function Theme and Rheme Given and New
Theme Whatcomes first in the clause. Therare three typesof theme: Topical Interpersonal Textual
Topical Theme Topical theme I ve given blood 36 times. This was in Geneva. In Greece they give you nothing. Can be assigned a transitivity function (participant, process or circumstance)
Interpersonal Theme Interpersonal theme Do you give blood? Can you carry my bag for me? I think they take a pint. Maybe Stephen could help. Stephen , do you want more soup? Can be assigned a mood element, be an adjunctor a vocative.
Textual Theme Textual theme Oh, they give you a cup of tea. No, you wouldn t. So, they could do it quickly. and he proposes marriage Discourse markers, fillers, conjunctions, etc.
Multiple Theme Multiple theme No, well, I mean, they don t know.
Tea and bikkies But in Switzerland theygive you a cognac. Here theygiveyou tea and bikkies. (factual information, no next speaker) Theygive you a cognac in Switzerland, though. Theygive you tea and bikkies here. Theygive you a cognac in Switzerland, though. Here theygive you tea and bikkies. But in Switzerland theygive you a cognac. Theygive you tea and bikkies here. But they give you a cognac in Switzerland. Theygive you tea and bikkies here. Thesedon t sound as good. Where is the difference? In the order. The native speaker s skill as narrator, being sensitive to textual meaning. She wishes to end the talk and gives importance to places.
The Numbat text: topical theme underlined, textual theme in italics
