Prof. Dr. Markus Steinbach

Since October 2009 Markus Steinbach is a professor for linguistics at the German Department at the University of Göttingen. Part of his research is concerned with the question how the modality of a language (sign language vs. spoken language) influences language structure, language development and speech processing. In particular, his research focuses on the interaction of syntax, semantics and pragmatics, experimental linguistics, linguistics specific to sign language, and linguistics for language teaching. Currently, Steinbach builds up a sign lab and in cooperation with the University of Mainz he carries out neurolinguistic experiments to examine the processing of sign languages. Steinbach’s research is directed towards the investigation of what he finds to be one of the most interesting and fascinating aspects of modern linguistics: the striking linguistic and cognitive similarity between sign and spoken language, two equivalent modalities available to human communication.