A study on the cognitive models of complex constructions: toward a multi-dimentional characterization of constructional categories

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An in-depth research on complex constructions was conducted, mainly adopting a cognitive-functional framework. On the theoretical side, the traditional coordination-subordination dichotomy was critically examined and a more ramified and empirically viable model centering around the notion of clause integration was proposed. Fujio Minami's pioneering model of the hierarchical organization of complex constructions was reinterpreted in a more systematic fashion within the Role and Reference Grammar theory of clause linkage. At the same time, several data-oriented specific studies were carried out: (i) study of suspended clauses (aka insubordination), focusing on their grammaticalization paths; (ii) examination of reason expressions from a discourse-interactionist perspective; and (iii) studies in some key issues of cognitive semantics as an indispensable ground work for the project.