Michael Zock: A Life of Interdisciplinary Research and International Engagement

Language scientist, translator, German radio journalist, free-lance photographic reporter, and scientific ambassador are just some of the titles held by the multitalented Michael Zock. This opening chapter chronicles the professional milestones of this boundary spanning, cross cultural, psycholinguistic pioneer, while exposing his politeness, modesty and warmth. Following a brief introduction of Michael’s origins, this chapter accounts, in part through the words of his colleagues, Michael’s life-long interest in computational modelling and simulation of the natural cognitive process of language production and his quest to create practical systems for language learning. The chapter summarizes his contributions to the literature, his scientific leadership, and transdisciplinary engagements across Europe, America and Asia. Cultured, creative, and communicative, Michael’s cross domain insights spanning theory and practice and his passion for language and cognition continue to inspire students and colleagues alike.