Question

What is theta theory? Which part of grammar does it affect? Discuss with an example of your own.

Accepted Answer

Theta theory is concerned with the verb. It focuses on the ways in which nouns relate to the verb and how that relationship is central to understanding the predicament of a given sentence.

Answer

Theta theory—also known as theta role or thematic relations—is mostly concerned with verbs. At the center of theta theory lies the belief that the most important part of a sentence is the verb. Someone under the sway of theta theory believes that the noun’s relationship to the verb provides the key to understanding of the predicament or action conveyed in a given sentence.
Typically, in theta theory, the nouns are assigned a role in relation to the verb. The exact number of roles is under dispute. However, there appear to be at least ten central roles in the theta-theory field.
To provide an example of theta theory in action, you need to create a sentence with nouns and a verb. Your sentence might look like this:

Bonnie pinched Billie.

In this sentence, the verb is “pinched” and the nouns are the two people involved: Bonnie and Billie. Theta theory underscores how the verb helps determine the roles of the two nouns. Bonnie’s role could be that of an “agent.” She’s the one who creates the action. She’s the person who pinches Billie. As for Billie, she might be assigned the role of “patient.” She’s the noun that is subjected to the pinch.
Other roles include “goal,” “location,” and “theme.” Perhaps now you can create an example featuring one of those roles. Maybe you can find another role and create an example from that.

Linguistics

What is theta theory? Which part of grammar does it affect? Discuss with an example of your own.

Expert Answers

Unlock This Answer Now

Related Questions

Which parts of grammar does theta theory affect?

Discuss theories of meaning with reference to semantics.