ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-NAV-G03-003 · ATLAS 259

Functional change

Functional change is a historical process in which an inherited form acquires a new grammatical or discourse function.

Part of the subject path Morphology and Word Formation

Why is this entry in the Atlas?

A · Analytical concept R1 · Distinct contribution to understanding

Functional change adds changing grammatical or discourse tasks to the history of forms. Its scope beyond grammaticalisation must be demonstrated through the functions actually documented.

Colours and admission grounds

The rectangular label identifies the entry function: F – linguistic figure or procedure; A – analytical concept; G – foundational concept; E – selected concrete case. The rounded badge indicates the admission ground: R1 – distinctive contribution; R2 – necessary foundation; R3 – justified illustrative case. This editorial rationale explains the current selection rather than claiming an undocumented original selection history.

Explanation

Functional change is a historical process in which an inherited form acquires a new grammatical or discourse function. A formerly aspectual form comes to be used as a discourse marker while its older function survives only in fixed expressions. Do not collapse exaptation, grammaticalisation, semantic change and synchronic polysemy. Two current meanings alone do not demonstrate a historical change of grammatical function.

Movement of thought

1. Identify the earlier function. 2. Date evidence for the new use. 3. Compare surviving older uses. 4. Test functional rather than merely lexical change. 5. Assess exaptation separately from grammaticalisation.

Scientific use case

Historical corpus work dates competing functions and tests whether reanalysis or mere semantic variation is involved.

Example

A formerly aspectual form comes to be used as a discourse marker while its older function survives only in fixed expressions.

Counterexample

Two current meanings alone do not demonstrate a historical change of grammatical function.

Distinction

Do not collapse exaptation, grammaticalisation, semantic change and synchronic polysemy.

Effect on thought and perception

Historical comparison can reveal new functions of a surviving form.

Resonance

A form remains while its task changes.

Provenance

Separate AI English review passed; final author file f69b81c80ae2de2a71d727c8a73448a9de4569250e40024fa9c9b714ccbcfa78

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Functional change“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G03-003. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G03-003

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G03-003

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