Péter Zalán Romanek (born 1985) is a Hungarian Deaf academic, researcher, and linguist specializing in sign language linguistics, Deaf studies, and bimodal bilingualism.
Early Life and Education
Born into a Deaf family in 1985, Péter Zalán Romanek attended the Deaf school in Budapest, Hungary, where he developed early insights into the linguistic diversity and cultural dynamics of Deaf communities[1]. His personal experience as a native user of Hungarian Sign Language shaped his academic interests in sign language linguistics and Deaf epistemologies. Romanek pursued higher education in Classical Philology, earning a Master's degree before embarking on his doctoral research. He is currently completing his PhD dissertation at Humboldt University of Berlin, focusing on the role and interaction management of sign language interpreters, a topic that bridges his linguistic expertise with practical applications in Deaf community services[1].
Academic Career
Romanek's academic career spans multiple institutions and roles across Europe. He serves as the coordinator of the Estonian Sign Language Research Lab at Tallinn University, where he oversees research projects dedicated to the documentation and analysis of Estonian Sign Language. Additionally, he holds a position as a sign language lecturer at the Health University of Applied Sciences in Innsbruck, Tyrol, where he contributes to the education of future sign language interpreters and professionals working with Deaf communities[1][2].
His affiliation with Humboldt University of Berlin as a doctoral researcher allows him to engage with cutting-edge theoretical and methodological frameworks in sign language linguistics. Romanek's interdisciplinary approach integrates sociolinguistics, Deaf studies, and language policy, reflecting his commitment to addressing both academic and community-oriented questions in his field.
Research Focus
Romanek's research encompasses several key areas within sign language studies and Deaf epistemologies[1][2]:
- Grammatical Description of Sign Languages.
- Bimodal Bilingualism and Language Acquisition.
- Deaf Epistemologies and Community-Based Research.
- Role and Interaction Management of Sign Language Interpreters.
Recognition and Impact
Romanek's work has contributed to advancing the academic understanding of sign languages while simultaneously advocating for the inclusion of Deaf perspectives in linguistic research. By bridging academic rigor with community engagement, Romanek has emerged as a influential voice in contemporary sign language linguistics.
- ORCID. (2024). Romanek, Péter Zalán (0000-0002-3335-6869).
- ResearchGate. (2024). Péter Romanek.
