Iconicity, subjectification and dominion in portuguese concessive clauses: conceptual differences between concessive clauses introduced by Apesar De and Embora

The present paper analyses Portuguese concessive constructions introduced by apesar de ('in weight of') and embora (from Old Portuguese em boa hora, 'in good time'). From the standpoint of Cognitive Grammar, it is argued that the constructions display a prime example of iconicity. Thus, it is shown that iconic principles such as linear ordering, formal complexity and formal distance explain the reason why the apesar de construction prototypically designates a more direct concessive relation, while the embora construction designates a more complex relation to the main clause. Further, it is claimed that the complex relation between the embora construction and the main clause represents a prime example of subjectification. Finally, the analysis shows that the subjunctive mood in the embora construction is related to the notion of dominion.