Adverbials in Use

This volume provides a broad overview of the question of adverbials at the
syntax/discourse interface, covering a variety of different languages –
French, English, German, Norwegian and Finnish – and using different
frameworks such as Cognitive Grammar, Constructional Grammar,
Grammaticalization Theory, experimental approaches and formal approaches
developed in Segmented Discourse Representation Theory (SDRT). It offers a
rich insight into the functions linked to adverbial positioning. One of the
main claims defended in this book is that the initial position itself plays a
specific role in discourse cohesion.
At issue is the grammaticalization of this initial position, seen as a
privileged locus for categorical changes and for the emergence of various
discourse functions of adverbials such as discourse markers, connectives and
framing adverbials.
It is hoped that contributions in this volume will lead to a better
understanding of the complex interplay of competing motivations affecting the
use of adverbials in discourse.