The Hallidayan notions of theme and rheme pose an interesting challenge to linguists in their attempts to pin them down more specifically. Argues that, because the thematic structure of the clause organizes itself as a message, a useful starting point in theme/rheme research is an understanding of how clausal messages are typically processed by…

Presents phrases and structures quoted from Melanesian families of the St-Louis tribe in New Caledonia. The system of preverbal markers in Tayo is not well developed and is subject to fluctuation. The use of preverbal markers does not follow the Tempus-Modus-Aspekt rules. (five references) (Author/JP)

Discusses the ways languages of Europe render the "given"-"new" distinction on the basis of data collected by means of presenting speakers of various languages with the task of reconstructing a route on a map. The article raises questions about the nature of "wh"-pronouns in English and about what is shared by these…