Theta Roles and Arabic-English Translation

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the different theta roles that can be assigned to arguments in English and Arabic. It aimed to discover the effect of Arabic-English translation to the roles assigned by predicates. The data were collected from different English sources. These data were analyzed using content analysis approach. Then, they were translated and analyzed again. The research shows that Arabic and English react similarly with regard to assigning theta roles. The roles of agent, theme, experiencer, goal, source and location can be assigned to English as well as Arabic. Arguments should maintain their roles undergoing a translation. Changing, adding, or deleting a role affects the intended meaning.