Abstract
Abstract
Experimental techniques (e.g., reaction time and EEG) are now frequently used to study a variety of pragmatic phenomena. In this entry, I provide an overview of how these techniques have been used to empirically examine how adults comprehend nonliteral meaning. The specific pragmatic phenomena reviewed include indirect requests, indirect replies, figures of speech (metaphors and idioms), scalar expressions, politeness, speech act recognition, and reference. The use of experimental techniques has and will continue to contribute to the refinement of pragmatic theories.