as...as

rpshCould you tell me what these "as"es mean in this sentence ?

preposition 16. in the role, function, or status of: to act as leader

I find this quite confusing. I don't know whether it's talking about the function of "rhetorical questions as declarations" shifting, which seems to be the literal meaning, or whether it's trying to say that rhetorical questions become declarations (and similarly with the second part).

The shifts in grammatical function of rhetorical questions {( functioning) as declarations and imperatives} as conditionals are also highly problematic in many cultures.

So the first "as" actually is part of the phrase "function as". But if the second "as" is explained in your way, how to understand "conditionals" or "as conditionals"?

Now, I think the first one should be explained "function as" according to the explanation of Mister Micawber. But I sill don't know what the second one here means.

Both seem to have the same meaning.

rpshNow, I think the first one should be explained "function as" according to the explanation of Mister Micawber . But I sill don't know what the second one here means.

I agree with ozzourti; they both have the same meaning.

However, if "shifts in grammatical function" is supposed to be referring to a change in function from rhetorical question