Abstract

This article investigates the role of Theme in organizing the information structure of Vietnamese clauses, a language often characterized as typologically Theme-prominent. The study focuses on how Theme operates as a mechanism of information packaging, enabling speakers and writers to establish a frame of reference and maintain textual cohesion. Drawing on the theoretical framework of Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG), the study argues that in Vietnamese, Theme is not merely the clause-initial element; rather, it functions as a dynamic point of departure that regulates the flow of information between given information and new information. We also synthesize and evaluate recent research trends in Vietnam over the past two decades, and identify research gaps that should be addressed in future work. The findings confirm that Theme plays a decisive role in shaping clause semantics and serves as a key to resolving issues related to language acquisition.

Keywords: Theme, infomation structure, constrative analysis, systemic funtional Grammar, Theme - Rheme structure.