The future of English linguistics as envisaged by the editors of Topics in English Linguistics lies in empirical studies which integrate work in English linguistics into general and theoretical linguistics on the one hand, and comparative linguistics on the other. The TiEL series features volumes that present interesting new data and analyses, and above all fresh approaches that contribute to the overall aim of the series, which is to further outstanding research in English linguistics.

• Frontmatter 2
• Contents 6
• Introduction 8
• The relevance of causality 16
• On the processing of causal relations 42
• Domains of use or subjectivity? The distribution of three Dutch causal connectives explained 64
• Causal relations in spoken discourse: Asyndetic constructions as a means for giving reasons 90
• Constructions with if, since, and because: Causality, epistemic stance, and clause order 118
• On affirmative and negative complex conditional connectives 150
• Pre- and post-positioning of wenn-clauses in spoken and written German 180
• Counterfactual reasoning and desirability 212
• Adversative connectors on distinct levels of discourse: A re-examination of Eve Sweetser's three-level approach 242
• Viewpoints and polysemy: Linking adversative and causal meanings of discourse markers 264
• The treatment of contrasts in interaction 290
• Concessives on different semantic levels: A typological perspective 320