Ross Millar
Doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Science
Tell us a bit about yourself
Born in Hobbiton (Matamata), raised in Cambridge, living in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton). From the Waikato (south of Bombay). I only speak English, but I read Greek and Hebrew. I also use New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), but I don't speak that! My hobbies are improv theatre and performance poetry.
What's next on your travel bucket list?
Probably where my wife takes me.
What are you most passionate about?
Equity, equality, justice.
What is the title of your thesis?
How to read and write sign languages.
How did you end up in your field of study?
My research “field” is only the size of a small vege patch! Designing sign language writing systems is very niche.
Back in the days of Windows 95 (when PC dinosaurs roamed the earth) I got to teach basic computer skills to a group of Deaf students. I asked the tutor how to write sign language and was told, “You can’t. Just use simple English.” I have not stopped thinking about it.
What do you hope will change in your field as a result of your research?
Hopefully, Deaf people will start to read and write in their own languages. However, that is up to them.
What do you plan to do once you have finished your doctorate?
Perhaps teach Deaf people how to teach others to read and write sign languages.
If you could invite four people to dinner, who would they be, and why?
Probably some of my old workmates... and some of my old theatre buddies... and some of my fellow poetry/arty types...