Faculty of Humanities, Leiden University Centre for Linguistics:

Vacancy for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Sign Language and Deaf Studies (0.7 FTE, 2 years)

Project overview/ Key responsibilities
Leiden University Centre for Linguistics invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position (0.7 FTE) in sign language and gesture studies. Under the guidance of Dr. Victoria Nyst, the successful candidate will conduct linguistic research focusing on diachronic change in sign languages, utilizing both historical and contemporary data. This position is part of the NWO-funded project, Through the hands of signers: modeling spread and change in historical sign language linguistics.

Project goals
The historical linguistics of sign languages remains significantly underexplored. Our project aims to bridge this gap through a comprehensive study of the social and linguistic histories of sign languages in Europe and West Africa. By developing a cross-linguistically validated model, we seek to enhance understanding of how sign languages evolve over time and inform broader historical linguistics beyond spoken languages.

In communities with hereditary deafness, family-based transmission predominates, while deaf schools often serve as hubs for the dissemination of signs. This project investigates the complex interplay between patterns in transmission and the evolution of sign languages, addressing the questions: How do sign languages change and spread over time, and what influences these processes?

Utilizing linguistic and historical-ethnographic fieldwork, machine learning techniques, and newly discovered historical sign lists, this project aims to uncover the dynamics of sign language transmission.

Role of the Postdoctoral Researcher
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who will use their linguistic expertise to analyse the gestural landscape of European sign languages, using historical and contemporary data.

Tasks within the project
This project aims to investigate the gestural and signing landscape in Europe prior to the establishment of deaf schools, focusing on the interplay between historical gestures and contemporary sign language lexicons. The research will involve analyzing both published and unpublished historical sources to document gestures and signs, addressing existing gaps with newly collected data. The project will assess contemporary and historical sources that describe both monastic and non-monastic gestures, evaluating their relevance and differences in scope and quality. Additionally, it will explore how sign lists from the 18th and 19th centuries, created by early deaf educators, reflect the natural signing practices of the time.

A searchable and annotated database of gestures and signs used before the introduction of deaf education will be compiled in collaboration with research assistants. This database will ensure comprehensive coverage of historical data and will include annotations for features such as handshape, orientation, location, and movement, incorporating items from a new 200-item list developed by a fellow researcher.

Engaging with the deaf community is another crucial aspect of the project. A citizen science approach will be employed to gather current uses, forms, and meanings of specific gestures through social media, acknowledging the expertise of deaf signers in observing and understanding gestures.

The research will also involve supervising the re-enactment and filming of selected gestures based on historical verbal descriptions. This process will facilitate analysis and enhance understanding of the historical context of these gestures.

Finally, the project will evaluate the relationships between emblems, monastic signs, and historical sign lists to construct a coherent account of the gestural landscape before and after the establishment of deaf education. The principal investigator will collaborate with the postdoctoral researcher to compare results from the sign and gesture studies, leading to new insights into the historical relationships between sign languages, including those with limited linguistic evidence.

Through these comprehensive research activities, the project aims to deepen our understanding of the evolution of sign languages and their connections to broader linguistic contexts.

Expected outputs
The postdoc is expected to produce:

1. Four scholarly articles on the gestural landscape.
2. Collaborative outputs, including:

• A database of emblems and monastic signs
• Recordings of re-enacted historical gestures
• Interactive map of sign spread for selected signs

Additionally, the researcher will contribute to a joint online archive for historical resources, assist in editing and publishing historical sign language lists, and participate in organizing conferences and community workshops.

Candidate profile
Ideal candidates should:

• have completed their PhD, preferably in Deaf Studies, gesture studies, or sign language studies, at the start of the employment
• be fluent in at least one sign language, and have the ability to work in both the lab and the field with the sign language(s) used there
• Demonstrate independent thinking and strong teamwork skills.
• Exhibit creativity and the ability to produce theoretically engaging analyses of the gestural landscape of European sign languages and the relation between them.
• Be either a registered resident of the Netherlands or willing to relocate for the position.

Research environment
Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL) is one of seven Institutes that fall under the Faculty of Humanities. With over 120 linguists working at the Institute, it is a rich research environment that prides itself on fostering scientific excellence. At LUCL we offer extensive research support to our researchers.

LUCL has a longstanding tradition in the study of the world’s languages and features unique linguistic expertise. Current theoretical insights are combined with modern experimental methods in its research profile area ‘Language Diversity in the World’. Researchers from our six umbrella research groups are experts in their respective fields but equally find innovative ways of collaborating with other fields and disciplines.

The Faculty of Humanities is rich in expertise in fields such as philosophy, religious studies, history, art history, literature, linguistics and area studies covering nearly every region of the world. With its staff of 995, the faculty provides 27 master’s and 25 bachelor’s programmes for over 7,000 students based at locations in Leiden and in The Hague. For more information: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities.

Terms and conditions
We offer a 0,7 fte position, initially for one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of research, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended with another year. The salary will be between €4020 and €4660 for a full appointment (scale 10.4 – 11.1). The intended starting date is December 1, but can be discussed. You are expected to work in Leiden.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information see the website.

Diversity Commitment
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research strives to be inclusive.

Contact Information
For further information on this project please contact Victoria Nyst, email v.a.s.nyst@hum.leidenuniv.nl, or on practical matters Maarit van Gammeren, email m.s.k.van.gammeren@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Application process
To apply, please submit the following by November 3:

• A signed video outlining your motivation (max 5 minutes, with transcript or translation in English), please e-mail this video to Victoria Nyst: v.a.s.nyst@hum.leidenuniv.nl
• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• The names and contact information of two referees (no reference letters required).

Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.