Conditional Constructs Across World Languages

INALCO, rue des Grands Moulins, Paris 13

October 29-31, 2025

This international conference aims to facilitate an in-depth discussion regarding the various ways in which natural languages worldwide express conditionality. Logicians have extensively examined conditional constructions, while linguists have done so to a lesser degree. It is crucial to compile the various types of conditional constructs found in languages from different families, each exhibiting unique characteristics. The secondary objective is to identify novel, broad cross-linguistic patterns and improve our understanding of conditionality across diverse typological and geographical language families globally. By analyzing these diverse constructs, we can uncover underlying cognitive processes that shape how different cultures approach hypothetical scenarios. Additionally, this exploration may reveal significant insights into the evolution of language and thought, highlighting the interplay between linguistic structure and human cognition.

We cordially invite proposals for paper presentations at the upcoming conference on "Conditional Constructs across World Languages" hosted by the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) in Paris. Submissions of abstracts that explore typological features of conditional constructions in under-analyzed languages are especially welcome. We encourage empirical analyses of linguistic data from any theoretical school of thought that contribute to the establishment of typological patterns of conditionals.

Submissions may encompass a comprehensive range of conditional constructs, including but not limited to epistemic, wish, directive, and commissive conditionals. Additionally, we welcome presentations that examine empirical data from various linguistic systems, to foster discussion of multiple theoretical concerns. These include the widely debated Arsenic conditionals (Anderson, 1951), Biscuit conditionals (Austin, 1956), and X-marking (von Fintel & Iatridou, 2023). This knowledge will enable us to understand whether these hotly debated topics have any relevance in languages other than European ones or whether they are typically discursive devices and attested primarily in languages such as English. We need to gather as much empirical data as possible to substantiate these crucial assertions.

Submissions of abstracts for 30-minute presentations (20 minutes for the paper presentation and 10 minutes for discussion) are welcome, in addition to poster presentations on any themes outlined above.

Abstracts should be in Word format, anonymous, and no more than 500 words in length, and be sent to paris.conditionals@gmail.com before May 31, 2025.

Please include your name, professional title, and address within the body of the email, rather than in the abstract of your paper.