The Role of Language and Pragmatics in Conceptual Abstraction

Interactive Experiments and Emergent Communication Models Using Reference Games

By (author) Kristina Kobrock

Book cover: The Role of Language and Pragmatics in Conceptual Abstraction

Extent: 252 pages

Publisher: V&R unipress

Subject: Language & Linguistics

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(November 2026)

ISBN: 9783847120421

6.34 x 9.49 inches

Price: $82.00

On back order

How do Language Systems develop? — Experiments and Agent-Based Models provide Insights


How do people structure their conceptual world using language? Conceptual hierarchies (dalmatian, dog, animal) range from subordinate (dalmatian) to superordinate concepts (animal). Kristina Kobrock examines the abstraction process involved in forming and communicating such concepts and presents four case studies. New experimental methods and computer-based modeling are combined to address the question of what role linguistic interaction and meaning-making in context play in conceptual abstraction. The main finding is that the interplay of cognitive and communicative needs of interlocutors shapes concrete linguistic interactions as well as the linguistic evolution of conceptual hierarchies.

Dr Kristina Kobrock studied cognitive science and was awarded her PhD in 2026 at the University of Osnabrück. She is currently researching the interplay between language and cognition there.

  • By (author) Kristina Kobrock