What is force as a semantic role?

Definition
	Force is the semantic role of an entity that instigates an action, but not consciously or voluntarily.

Discussion
	Force is distinct from agent because an agent is volitional, while a force is not.

Source
	Payne, T. 1997a 49

Concept module: force as a semantic role
In overview module: Glossary (Linguistics): F
In modular book: Glossary of linguistic terms, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H., Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
In bookshelf: Linguistics

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 5 January 2004