Time and date: 16:00 (CET), Thursday, 9. 12. 2021. 

Speaker: Paula Rubio-Fernandez (University of Oslo)

Title: Pragmatics is more than reading in between the lines 

Abstract: Pragmatic reasoning is often understood as the ability to read in between the lines. In this talk I will argue that this mindreading ability is essential for understanding what is said, not only what is implicit in a message. This view of pragmatics has implications for the role of language and communication on the development and mature use of Theory of Mind. I will present a series of studies using a variation of the so-called ‘Director task’ to show how adults can derive sophisticated mindreading inferences in a paradigm that is known for revealing limits in pragmatic reasoning. Results from a simplified task with preschoolers will also be discussed. I will conclude by presenting a new line of work investigating how cross-linguistic differences and universals in reference systems can offer key insights into how language and communication train Theory of Mind throughout the lifespan. 

Zoom link: https://ppk-elte-hu.zoom.us/j/96143916344?pwd=aDkvZjFaWjFHdmw4aDE3Zy9ka1h2QT09

Meeting ID: 961 4391 6344

Passcode: 023528

Privacy notice: http://bit.ly/Privacy-Notice_ELTE-Cognitive-Seminar