La perspective fonctionnelle de la phrase et l’ordre des mots en allemand

Abstract

In this paper, elaborating on Daneš’ idea of the “three-levels approach” to syntax, we advance the hypothesis that the global information structure of an utterance is the result of a synergistic action of semantic, syntactic and Theme-Rheme structures. In particular, we focus on the structural and formal factors of the functional sentence perspective, hence distinguishing between Theme-Rheme on the one hand and Given-New and Presupposition-Assertion on the other. The latter notions, though correlated to that of Theme-Rheme, are distinct from it. We apply this theoretical framework to the German language aiming at showing how, in this language, the linguistic means realizing the actual articulation in Theme and Rheme (particularly, word order and intonation) together with syntax and semantics determine the structure of an utterance and make it a ‘communication unit’ apt to be placed within specific verbal exchange contexts.

Keywords

• functional sentence perspective
• German word order
• sentence structure levels
• information structure