tematiikka

Tematiikka is a Finnish term used in linguistics, literary studies, and cultural analysis to denote the study of themes, topics, and subject matter in discourse and texts. The word builds on teema (theme) with the -tiikka suffix, forming a field of study that examines how themes arise, develop, and interact within communication and representation.

In linguistics and information structure, tematiikka concerns the topic of a clause or discourse unit—the given information around which new comment is organized. It intersects with concepts such as tema (topic) and rheme (the focus of the message) and is used to analyze how speakers introduce, maintain, or shift topics across sentences and paragraphs, including cross-linguistic variation.

In literature and media studies, tematiikka refers to the themes or motifs that characterize a work, author, or period. Analysts describe the subjects that recur across narratives, such as power, identity, or conflict, and how these themes shape interpretation, genre conventions, and cultural meaning.

In research practice, tematiikka guides methods such as thematic analysis, content analysis, and discourse analysis. Data sources include texts, speeches, films, and other media. The aim is to map how themes are constructed, related, and negotiated in production and reception.

See also: tema; theme; motif; temaattinen suunnittelu.