Grammar, analogy, and language creativity: Cases of poly-function in complex conjunctive adverbials

This study explores how complex conjunctive adverbials (CCAs) such as on the other hand, in other words, and of course developed multiple grammatical functions through grammaticalization and analogy. The adverbial function is realized through single words (adverbs) or multi-word expressions such as prepositional, infinitive, and adverbial phrases (Aarts, 2011; Aarts et al., 2014; Cinque, 1999; Huddleston, 1988; Huddleston & Pullum, 2005). A noteworthy subset, conjunctive adverbials, link clauses and express textual relations that enable transition, reinforcement, and contrast in discourse (Fraser, 1999, 2006). Despite their discourse importance, most studies have examined conjunctive adverbials from a synchronic perspective, leaving their diachronic development underexplored. This study addresses this gap by describing the grammaticalization paths through which adverbials acquire conjunctive functions. Focusing on three complex conjunctive adverbials (CCAs)—on the other hand, in other words, and of course—the analysis illustrates how polyfunctionality arises through analogy and how this process reveals the interaction among grammar, analogy, and language creativity.