Workshop: Measuring Commitment in Communication

1            Overview

The organizing committee invites submissions of abstracts for a discussion-focused workshop on commitment, with a particular emphasis on experimental approaches to its study. The workshop will take place on 18–19 June 2026 at Radboud University, Nijmegen.

While commitment attribution, negotiation, and avoidance play a central role in communication, its nuances remain difficult to operationalize and measure. The aim of this workshop is to explore how experimental methods - broadly construed - can contribute to and inform theoretical accounts of commitment. The workshop will include invited talks by Benjamin Weissman, Mailin Antomo, Manfred Krifka, and Tatjana Scheffler, alongside contributed presentations.

We welcome abstracts related to commitment and experimental methodology, including (but not limited to):

·       Experimental studies of commitment in communication

·       The pragmatics of commitment attribution and avoidance

·       Methodological challenges in operationalizing commitment

Interdisciplinary work drawing on linguistics, philosophy, psychology, or related fields is especially encouraged.

We welcome abstracts for oral presentation (approximately 20 minutes, plus discussion).

2            Submission Guidelines

·       Abstract length: 300–500 words

·       Format: PDF

·       Abstracts should clearly state:

o   The research question or theoretical issue addressed

o   The experimental or methodological approach (where applicable)

o   Key findings or expected contributions

·       Abstracts should be submitted via EasyAbs (LinguistList): https://easyabs.linguistlist.org/conference/MCC/

3            Important Dates

·       Abstract submission deadline: 31 March 2026

·       Notification of acceptance: 20 April 2026

·       Registration deadline: 31 May 2026

·       Workshop dates: 18–19 June 2026

4            Contact Information

For questions regarding submissions or participation, please contact:

Harriet Yates
Email: [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your abstracts and welcoming you to Nijmegen in June 2026.

On behalf of the organising committee: Harriet Yates, Bob van Tiel, Peter de Swart, Thomas van der Leer, Corien Bary