Thesis (doctoral)--Ruprecht-Karl-Universität in Heidelberg.

The thesis analyses a variety of clause linkers used in the world’s languages as dedicated markers of four circumstantial relations between states of affairs: anteriority (‘after’), causality (‘because’), purpose (‘in order to’) and conditionality (‘if’). Focusing primarily on the function of the linkers rather than on their formal properties the study scrutinizes the origin and functioning of free-word adverbial subordinators, converbal endings as well as other subordinating affixes and polymorphemic structures specialized for clause-linking functions. The database consist of nearly 700 items which come from a geographically and genetically balanced sample of 84 languages. In the first part of the thesis I discuss in detail the scope of the study, theoretical foundations (functional approach to language analysis) and methodology. In the second part I focus on the issues of grammaticalization and semantic scope of the linkers. The analysis of patterns of polysemy of the linkers, as well as the make-up of the polymorphemic items among them provide material for the reconstruction of the most common sources and pathways of grammaticalization. Looking closer at the patterns of semantic polyfunctionality (i.e. other circumstantial meanings that the clause linkers convey in addition to being markers of the four analysed relations) I reveal the architecture of the network of their cognitive affinities. The result of this investigation is a set of findings, which add to our understanding of the origin and functioning of the markers – a topic which has received little attention so far. The third part of the dissertation is dedicated to the analysis of the crosslinguistic variation in the degree of grammaticalization, lexicalization and explicitness of the linkers and discussion on the motivations behind their development. The main body of the analyses is focused on the investigation of the potential influence of a variety of socio-cultural factors on the variations observed. The factors include those most often mentioned in the context of the forces shaping language structure: presence and vitality of written form as well as other media of displaced communication, presence of the language in schooling, population size of the speech community, and type of society. The results obtained show that the degrees of grammaticalization, lexicalization and explicitness are much stronger correlated with socio-cultural factors for anteriority and conditionality than for causality and purpose. In order to account for the differences I evoke the concepts of cognitive salience and communicative pressure arguing that the influence of socio-cultural factors on language structure should always be considered in a broader context which includes also pragmatics and cognitive psychology.

Les clauses de rendement constituent une incitation au dépassement, à l’action, à la performance. Dès lors, comment peuvent-elles être conciliées avec les différents pans du droit dans lesquelles elles interviennent ? On les rencontre en droit social et elles prennent une dimension quasiment envahissante en droit de la distribution. Ainsi intégrée au domaine contractuel, la clause de rendement oblige le débiteur et nourrit les attentes du créancier. Mais, pas seulement. Car, si le débiteur de la clause de rendement doit s’astreindre à réaliser le rendement consenti, le créancier, dans l’optique de favoriser l’atteinte de l’objectif, ne doit pas adopter un simple comportement passif. En somme, l’obligation de rendement renvoie au « rapport tout entier » qui existe entre le créancier et le débiteur de la clause. L’on pressent leur difficile insertion au regard de la théorie générale du droit des contrats. Leur maniement délicat réclame l’étude de nombreux facteurs, paramètres, à prendre en considération pour assurer leur efficacité. A l’issue de cette étude, ces clauses apparaissent comme un outil de performance au service des contractants mais aussi de l’intérêt économique. Car, les clauses de rendement, bien maniées et encadrées strictement sont sources d’efficacité concurrentielle.En somme, la contrainte apparue initialement s’efface et révèle leur utilité dans l’intérêt général. Les clauses de rendement dynamisent ainsi le contrat, avivent la concurrence et par là-même sauvegardent les intérêts des consommateurs. Il semble alors que les comportements consistant à la réalisation des objectifs, participent, non seulement à une quête d’efficacité contractuelle, mais également à une efficience concurrentielle dans l’intérêt de la collectivité toute entière. / Performance clauses are an incentive to overshoot, to act, and to perform.Therefore, how can they be reconciled with the different parts of the law in which they operate? They are found in labor law and take an almost overwhelming size in distribution law. Well integrated into the contractual sphere, the return clause obliges the debtor and feeds the creditor’s expectations. But not only that, for if the debtor of the return clause must discipline himself to achieve the agreed performance, the creditor, with a view to help achieve the goal, should not simply adopt a passive attitude. In sum, the obligation to return back to the “whole report” exists between the creditor and the debtor.It is difficult to present their inclusion under the general theory of contract law. Their delicate handling calls for the consideration of many factors and parameters that must be taken into consideration to ensure their effectiveness. At the end of this study, these terms appear as a performance tool in the service of contractors but also of economic interest. Well-handled and strictly supervised clauses of performance are competitive sources of efficiency. All in all, the initial constraint is cleared and reveals the usefulness of performance clauses in the public interest. Thus, in terms of the contract and performance boost, performance clauses sharpen competition and thereby safeguard the interests of consumers. It seems then that the performance in achieving the objectives, participate not only in a quest of contractual effectiveness, but also for competitive efficiency for the whole community.

The thesis analyzes the political and scientific rhetoric used to enact pharmacist refusal clauses. I examine how refusal clauses are rhetorically framed in politics as well as the "scientific" rhetoric advocates use to generate support for these laws. Additionally, I highlight the consequences these clauses have for women.Chapter one focuses on the political discourse of refusal clauses. I develop an analysis of the phrase "conscience" versus "refusal" clause. I expose how pharmacists and refusal clause advocates make discrimination claims using Cindy Patton as a theoretical framework. Finally, I examine "refusal narratives" from women who have been denied contraceptives by pharmacists. The second chapter analyzes "scientific" rhetorical strategies. Refusal clause advocates rhetorically reclassify contraceptives as an abortion method. I will discuss how this strategy of reclassification has wide implications on public policy. In the conclusion I present the negative consequences refusal clauses have on women.

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Inaug.-diss.--Greifswald. / Lebenslauf. "Literaturverzeichnis": p. [5-8].

Inaug.-diss.--Königsberg Pr. / Lebenslauf. "Literaturverzeichnis": p. 90-100.