Subject Assignment in Turkish

This paper argues the role of Semantic Function Hierarchy as introduced in Dik s (1978, 1989) Functional Grammar model. The aim is to discuss particularly the semantic functions (roles) in Turkish and their potential in Subject Assignment. It appears that cut-off point on the Semantic Function Hierarchy of semantic functions are determined by propositions, whereas Subject Assignment s sensitivity is determined by pragmatic considerations. When possibilities of the Subject Assignment examined, we observe that Goal is the cut-off point of the Semantic Function Hierarchy in Turkish. Assignment of Goal to Subject position, however is a very restricted process. This restriction, is tied most often to passives. Passive factors in Turkish position towards the subject of a voice does not involve any change in the first arguments (Agent, Positioner, Force, Processed and Zero 0. Even with the voice alternation, tertiary members (Recipient, Location, Direction, Source and Reference) assignment to the Subject position is impossible. While arguments assigned as Subject perform the function of topicalization, these arguments also reflects the point of view of language user.