ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-091-043 · ATLAS 251

Topicalization

The placement of an element distinct from the subject at the beginning of a German declarative sentence.

Explanation

Topicalization uses the first position in the sentence to direct attention. This syntactic placement may, but does not necessarily, coincide with the discourse-semantic topic.

Example

I haven’t read this book yet.

Counterexample

I haven’t read this book yet. – The object is not placed at the beginning.

Distinction

Topic: that which is being discussed in the discourse.

Effect on thought and perception

Determines which element first enters the sentence’s field of perception.

Resonance

The initial position gives an expression an early and strong impact.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Topicalization“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-091-043. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-043

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-043

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