Scope and focus
A central question this conference aims to address is how neurotypical and autistic children learn to infer the intended meaning of a speaker's utterance, focusing on, but not limited to, non-literal uses of language.
This question spans a broad range of topics within developmental pragmatics including comprehension and production of tropes such as metaphor, metonymy, irony, as well as accounts for why non-literal forms may pose particular challenges for neurotypical or autistic children (e.g. sensitivity to sense conventions, cognitive abilities).
Program (Detailed program linked here)
Abstract Booklet (Linked here)
Provisional schedule
May 29th
13:30-15:00 Registration
15:00-16:30 Opening talks by Ingrid Lossius Falkum (UiO) and Agustín Vicente (UPV/EHU)
16:30-19:00 Social event
May 30th
09:30-10:30 Keynote by Mikhail Kissine, title: Language and communication in autism
10:30-10:50 Coffee break
10:50-12:20 Symposium 1: Language in autism spectrum conditions (ASC)
12:20-13:30 Lunch (provided)
13:30-14:40 Poster session
14:40-14:50 Coffee break
14:50-17:20 Symposium 2: Non-literal uses of language in ASC
19:00 Conference dinner - Bønder i Byen
May 31st
09:30-10:30 Keynote by Danielle Matthews, title: How children learn to use language through interaction.
10:30-10:50 Coffee break
10:50-12:20 Symposium 3: Metaphor and pragmatic development
12:20-13:30 Lunch (provided)
13:30-15.00 Symposium 4: Irony Development
15:00-15:10 Closing remarks
Keynote speakers
- Professor Danielle Matthews (University of Sheffield)
- Professor Mikhail Kissine (Université Libre de Bruxelles)
About us
Over the past three years, the DEVCOM: Pragmatics, Sense Conventions and Non-Literal Uses of Language research group has strived to understand how children can be early experts at a range of pragmatically complex tasks that require attention to speakers' intentions, yet act like 'literal listeners' in other contexts.
We have also strived to understand whether the driving force of literalism is shared or differing between neurotypical and autistic children, for whom a literalist interpretation style is more constant throughout development.
As the DEVCOM project is coming to an end in 2025, it is now timely to invite all interested to join us in engaging discussions around some of the recent research that has been conducted in developmental pragmatics.
Presenter information
Oral presentations are alloted 15 min slots with an additional 5 mins for questions.
Poster specifications: Maximum poster size A0 (841 x 1189 mm) with portrait orientation. Posters must contain the title, authors’ names and affiliations.
Presenters must print the posters before the conference. It is possible to print your poster at UiO Graphic Center (select private orders) or any other private vendors in Oslo, like Aksell or Alfa Trykk.
Location and directions
- Conference dates: May 29th-31st, 2024
- Location: University of Oslo, Blindern Campus
- Building: Georg Sverdrups hus, University Library
- Room: Stort møterom (room 2531)
Travelling to the Conference
The easiest way to travel to the city centre from Oslo Lufthavn (airport) is to take a train. For train times, visit Flytoget. It takes about 20-25 minutes to reach the city centre.
Optionally you may take the Flybussen, which has several stops throughout the city (including the stop at Vestre Aker Kirke, which is approximately 11 min walk from the conference venue).
To get to the conference venue (Blindern Campus) from the city centre you can travel by tram or metro (T-bane)
- Tram (line 18 or line 17 towards Rikshospitalet) to Universitetet Blindern.
- Metro (line 5 towards Sognsvann, line 5 Ringen (via Majorstuen) or line 4 towards Vestli) to Blindern.
The easiest way to purchase tickets for bus/tram/metro (T-bane) within Oslo, is through the Ruter app on your phone. For online tickets and tram and metro times, visit Ruter. It is also possible to purchase a Ruter pay-as-you-go card in any 7 Eleven, Narvesen and Deli de Luca kiosks.
Contact us
If you have any queries regarding the conference or if you are interested in attending, please contact us at:
devcomconference2024@gmail.com