How do linguistic structures evolve? Why do they change? Proceeding from data on the acquisition of phonology, morphology, lexis, speech acts, and syntax, this volume examines parallels and interconnections between language acquisition, language change, and synchronic variation for a variety of different linguistic domains. Structure formation is first discussed in terms of the way it is influenced extralinguistically by language users and the situation factor, then in terms of its intralinguistic dependence on a network-like processing system. The present attempt at an explanation unites functional and connectionist ideas and in so doing reflects and conveys a process-oriented approach to grammar.