The definition of Theme used in this paper places Theme at the point where the grammar of the clause meets the surrounding text and also relates to the thought in the speaker's mind. However, before the position is further expounded, a discussion of the different definitions and views of Theme-Rheme is provided to shed more light over the issue. Basically, the different views can be divided into four categories, based on different definitions of the Theme itself: Theme as topic, Theme as given or known, Theme as having the least degree of communicative dynamism, and Theme as message onset. Each of these will now be discussed in turn.
