The role of analogization in the microconstructionalization of the [[X de]que]connect network

Abstract

This paper aims to present a theoretical discussion of the role of analogization in the formation of connective microconstructions within the [[X de]que]_connect network. First, we make explicit the theoretical foundations adopted in this study, which are grounded in Usage-Based Functional Linguistics. We then conduct a longitudinal investigation of analogy and its related concepts - analogization and analogical thinking - ranging from the Neogrammarian tradition to more contemporary perspectives. Finally, adopting a qualitative approach, we apply the theoretical and methodological framework to the analysis of three microconstructions belonging to the [[X de]que]_connect network: [em razão de que – by reason that], [a respeito de que – with regard to which/that], and [à exceção de que – with the exception that]. The study demonstrates that analogization has strong explanatory power, emerging as a robust hypothesis for the rise of new connectives in Portuguese, as instantiated in the [[X de]que]_connect network.