Co(n)texts in Grammatical Paradigms

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of different kinds of contexts for grammatical paradigms. These paradigms are understood as functional sets that consist of a structured inventory of oppositions and relations between their members (e.g. Diewald 2009, Diewald & Politt 2021, Politt 2022). As a usage-based concept, describing grammatical paradigms necessarily relies on real usage contexts. Three types of co(n)text(s) are deemed relevant to paradigms: (i) the intraparadigmatic context, (ii) co-text features (Catford 1965) co-occurring with paradigm members in discourse, and (iii) the communicative context. The relevance of each kind of co(n)text is illustrated by different studies, each showing how a co(n)text-based analysis and description of grammatical structures can enhance the understanding of functional distinctions from a usage-based point of view. Together, the three co(n)text types shape the internal structure of the paradigm, the functional niches of their members, and the choice of paradigm members in communicative situations.