معرفی
Professor Annelies Kusters is a sociolinguist specializing in sign language ideologies, deaf mobilities, and communication practices at Heriot-Watt University (School of Social Sciences). She holds a PhD from the University of Bristol (2012) and previously worked at the Max Planck Institute. Her research integrates ethnography, film, and visual methods to explore multilingualism, transnational deaf spaces, and media representation. Key projects include the ERC-funded MobileDeaf initiative (2017–2023), focusing on deaf mobilities and translanguaging.
Research interests span sign language ideologies, deaf media, transnationalism, and ethnographic methodologies. She leads SIGNS@HWU, fostering interdisciplinary research on sign languages and deaf communities. Awards include the European Research Council Starting Grant (2016) and the Francis Maginn Award (2023). Teaching focuses on Deaf Studies and sociolinguistics, with a commitment to mentoring deaf scholars. Notable grants include £1.5M ERC funding and collaborations with the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust.
Publications emphasize International Sign, deaf media representation, and family language policy. She advises on policy, interpreter training, and media production, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Leadership roles include Co-Director of Engagement (School of Social Sciences) and Programme Director for the MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating, and Applied Language Studies).
