160162 PS Neuropragmatics: Language, action and context (2022S)

Linguistic pragmatics deals with how human language is used as a tool for communication in social contexts. In the present seminar, concepts fundamental to linguistic pragmatics and dialogue/communication analysis will be examined, based on fundamental work from Analytical Philosophy and the Philosophy of Action. Basic structures of communication forms (e.g. verbal and non-verbal communication) are then worked out within the framework of the action prediction theory of communicative functions. The underlying mechanisms in mind and brain of linguistic actions will be discussed in the realm of neurocognitive experimental research, together with insights into neurocomputational modelling. Recent relevant works on the neural basis of understanding and performing communicative actions in the context of language, gesture and intonation will be covered, taking into account social interaction, turn-taking and common ground. The participants will also acquire basic brain anatomy and physiology and neurocognitive methods from psycho- and neurolinguistics.
In parallel, group exercises on the analysis of oral and written communication will take place, in which the participants will learn practical aspects of conversational analysis. It is planned to also present current research work from the Brain Language Laboratory, Freie Universität Berlin, as part of the priority programme of the German Research Foundation entitled 'XPrag.de - Experimental Pragmatic Theories based on Experimental Evidence'. The seminar is intended to stimulate the participants' own scientific work.