Thematic relation

The term thematic relation is used (especially in Ray Jackendoff’s work and work influenced by him) for semantic role.

Synonyms
Alongside thematic role, Θ-role, thematic relation is perhaps the most common term in current American linguistics (e.g. Wilkings (ed.) 1988).


 * semantic role
 * thematic role
 * Θ-role (Theta role)
 * case: deep case, case role, case relation
 * semantic function
 * kāraka

Origin
The term thematic relation was introduced by Jackendoff (1972:29) (who attributed it to Richard Stanley), basing his theory on Gruber's (1965) work. According to Jackendoff, the centrality of the Theme in Gruber's analysis justifies this term.