Constructionalization and constructional change: The role of context in the development of constructions

Abstract

In recent constructional approaches to language change, the distinction between constructionalization and constructional changes has been made (cf. e.g. Rostila 2004; Noel 2007; Traugott & Trousdale 2013; Traugott this volume). The term constructionalization generally refers to the formation of new constructions, while diverse changes in existing constructions are labeled as constructional changes. This chapter focuses on the impact of context in the development of new constructions. It proposes to model constructionalization as a gradual accumulation of contextual restrictions followed by a structural reorganization of language material, whereby pieces of relevant contextual information are integrated into a new construction type. Two case studies and some further examples from the literature will demonstrate how the proposed model accounts for the development of new constructions from different domains of grammar.

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