Additive extension chunks: a usage-based functional analysis

Abstract

Based on the theoretical presuppositions of Usage-Based Functional Linguistics, this work aims to propose an analysis of four additive extension chunks attested in Portuguese: além de tudo, além do mais, além da conta and além do que. These chunks, derived from the schematic network [Além de X,Y], are investigated in terms of compositionality and analyzability (cf. BYBEE, 2016). The data analysis is done from a synchronic and quali-quantitative perspective, based on posts from the Twitter social network. The results demonstrate that the four mentioned chunks are arranged in a gradient scale that reflects different levels of syntactic-semantic integration. Furthermore, each chunk has its specific usage and is recruited for different communication purposes.