Christian Rathmann

Christian Rathmann is Professor of Sign Language Interpreting at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. His research spans core areas of sign language studies, including sign language structure, acquisition, and learning. He is particularly interested in the use of sign languages across diverse Deaf communities, as well as in the development and documentation of language resources. In addition, his work addresses key issues in interpreting and translation, both within the same modality and across modalities. Through his research and teaching, he advances theoretical understanding, applied practices in sign language studies, education, interpreting and translation, and public awareness of language rights.

This course explores current trends in the sociolinguistics of sign languages, focusing on four key areas: (a) the standardization of sign languages, (b) the language demographics of sign language communities, (c) multilingualism in Deaf communities, and (d) the impact of globalization on language use among Deaf individuals and communities. Through these themes, the course provides an overview of both theoretical developments and empirical research in this rapidly evolving field. 

The first topic addresses the processes and challenges of standardizing sign languages, including the roles of education, policy, and media in shaping language norms. 

The second topic examines language demographics, highlighting issues such as population distribution, language vitality, and the effects of migration and urbanization on Deaf communities. The third focus is on multilingualism, a common yet often underexplored phenomenon in Deaf communities. Participants will consider how signers navigate multiple sign and spoken/written languages, as well as the sociocultural factors influencing language choice and identities. The fourth topic investigates globalization, exploring how increased mobility, digital communication, and international Deaf networks contribute to language contact, borrowing and change. In addition to thematic discussions, the seminar introduces a range of research methodologies used in these domains. These include qualitative approaches such as ethnography and discourse analysis as well as quantitative methods like surveys and corpus-based studies. Attention will also be given to ethical considerations and community collaboration in research involving Deaf participants and communities. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of key sociolinguistic issues in sign language research and be familiar with methodological tools for investigating language use in Deaf communities.