2. Semantics
• One of the branches of linguistics.
• Study of the meaning of words, phrases, and
sentences.
• Words with meaning are typically the nouns,
verbs, adjectives and adverbs.
13. Semantic Roles
• Agent and theme
• Instrument and experiencer
• Location, source and goal
14. Agent and Theme
The entity that performs the actions technically
known as the agent and the entity that is involved
in or affected by the action is called the theme (or
sometimes the ‘patient’.)
15. agents and themes are the most common
semantic roles. Although agents are typically
human, they can also be non-human entities
that cause actions.
16. Ex of agents:
Human – The boy
The boy kicked the ball.
Natural force – The wind
The wind blew the ball away.
A machine - A car
A car ran over the ball.
A creature – The dog
The dog caught the ball.
17. The theme is typically non - human, but can be
human.
Ex:
The dog chased the boy.
Agent theme
18. In fact, the same physical entity can appear in two
different semantic roles in a sentence.
Ex:
The dog chased the boy.
Agent theme
The boy cut himself.
Agent theme
20. If an agent uses another entity in order to
perform an action, that other entity fills the role of
instrument.
Ex:
The boy cut the rope with an old razor.
Agent instrument
He drew the picture with a crayon.
Agent instrument
21. When a noun phrase is used to designate an
entity as the person who has a feeling, perception or
taste, it fills the semantic role of experiencer.
Ex:
The boy feels sad.
experiencer
23. Location - Where an entity is in the description
of an event.
Ex: on the table, in the room
Source - Where an entity moves from.
Ex: from Chicago, from USA
Goal - Where the entity moves to.
Ex: to New Orleans, to Philippines
24. Mary saw a fly on the wall.
EXPERIENCER THEME LOCATION
She borrowed a magazine from George.
AGENT THEME SOURCE
She squashed the bug with the magazine.
AGENT THEME INSTRUMENT
She handed the magazine back to George.
AGENT THEME GOAL
“Gee thanks,” said George.
AGENT