On the Complexity of the Notion of Topics
Sur la complexité de la notion de topique

Summary/Abstract: The analysis of informational structure – be it at sentence, utterance or discourse level – has been the object of study by scholars of diverse theoretical orientations. In fact, concepts such as theme, rheme, topic, propos, and focus have, in different approaches, acquired different definitions and usages. We undertake a survey of several major viewpoints of linguistics – mainly French, but not only – related to the notion of theme. This allows us to throw light on the concepts and terms included in various approaches, and to defend some particular stances.

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