Oblique

Definition

In linguistics, the term 'oblique' refers to a noun or pronoun that is not in the subject or direct object position within a sentence. Oblique arguments typically provide additional information about the action of the verb and can denote various roles such as location, direction, or means. These elements enrich the sentence by specifying context without being central to the core subject-verb-object structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oblique arguments are often marked by prepositions in English, like 'to,' 'for,' and 'with,' indicating their relationship to the action of the verb.
2. In many languages, oblique arguments can be expressed through various grammatical constructions, including postpositions or case markings.
3. Oblique arguments are not necessary for the grammatical completeness of a sentence; a sentence can still be complete without them.
4. Examples of oblique arguments include phrases like 'to the store' in 'She went to the store' or 'with enthusiasm' in 'He sang with enthusiasm.'
5. Understanding oblique roles helps clarify how additional context influences the meaning of sentences and their structures.

Review Questions

• How do oblique arguments differ from core arguments in a sentence?
  • Oblique arguments differ from core arguments in that they are not central to the sentence's main action. Core arguments include the subject and direct object, which are essential for conveying who is doing the action and what is being acted upon. In contrast, oblique arguments provide supplementary information related to the action but are not necessary for the sentence's basic grammatical structure.
• Discuss how oblique arguments enhance the meaning of a sentence and provide examples.
  • Oblique arguments enhance the meaning of a sentence by adding context and detail that clarify circumstances surrounding the action. For example, in 'She wrote a letter to her friend,' the oblique argument 'to her friend' specifies who the letter is intended for, thereby enriching our understanding of the action. Without oblique arguments, sentences may remain vague or incomplete regarding their context.
• Evaluate how different languages mark oblique arguments and what this reveals about linguistic diversity.
  • Different languages mark oblique arguments through various strategies such as prepositions, postpositions, or case markings. For instance, while English uses prepositions like 'for' or 'to,' other languages might rely on specific case endings or syntactic structures to convey similar meanings. This variation highlights linguistic diversity and illustrates how different cultures express relationships between actions and their contexts. Such differences can impact translation and comprehension across languages.

Related terms

Thematic Role: The function that a noun phrase plays in the context of an event described by a verb, such as agent, theme, or experiencer.

Argument: A noun or pronoun that plays a specific syntactic role in relation to a verb, including subject, object, and oblique.

Prepositional Phrase: A phrase that begins with a preposition and includes its object, often functioning as an oblique argument by providing additional information.