Case role

The term case role denotes a semantic role and is used especially in work influenced by Fillmore (1968).

Synonyms

• semantic role
• thematic relation
• thematic role
• Θ-role (Theta role)
• semantic function
• kāraka

Origin

Fillmore (1968) uses the terms deep structure cases (1968:21), case relationships (1968:21), deep cases (1968:32), which became widely known. The term case role probably became the most widespread term, used often without reference to Fillmore's work (e.g. Givón 1984:97 and passim).

References

• Fillmore, Charles. 1968. The case for case. In Bach, Emmon & Harms, R. (eds.) Universals in linguistic theory New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1-90.
• Givón, Talmy. 1984. Syntax: a functional-typological introduction. Vol. I. Amsterdam: Benjamins.