Approaching Legal Multinomials from the Sociolinguistic Perspective – Insights into Authorship-Based Distinctions

Abstract The paper explores the hypothesis that multinomials can act as authorship-based style distinguishing markers in legal communication. Specifically, analysis focuses on identifying quantitative distribution patterns of structural categories typical for two authorship and their communicative function. are contrasted here professionals/experts lay people. is conducted corpus-based methodology with a custom-designed corpus English, authentic texts found trade, domain company registration proceedings. findings confirm conventionally considered to be feature professional communication also cognitively salient Further, drafted by authors profiled structurally distinct multinomials. Functionally, it has been demonstrated types quantitatively used predominantly specific stylistic and/or pragmatic functions. Stylistically, contribute conventional ritual which meet formality standards have evolved professions where authority particular importance. Pragmatic factors account salience specific, involve mainly reduplication embody norm-related concepts, required ground intertextuality ensures materialisation effect.