Gonçalo Fernandes
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Hans-Josef Niederehe (28 May 1937 – 27 October 2026), one of the most influential scholars in the historiography of linguistics, whose remarkable academic achievements and intellectual legacy have left an enduring mark on our field.
It would be virtually impossible to summarise his many contributions to the history of linguistic thought. His extensive scholarly work, particularly in the historiography of Hispanic linguistics and the Romance grammatical tradition, remains an indispensable reference for generations of researchers. In 1999, the volume Estudios de historiografía lingüística hispánica ofrecidos a Hans-J. Niederehe was published in his honour, bearing witness to the extraordinary breadth of his scholarship and the esteem in which he was held by the international academic community.
For many of us, Professor Niederehe was not only an outstanding scholar but also a generous colleague, an inspiring teacher, and a valued friend. We particularly remember his participation in the 7th International Conference of the Sociedad Española de Historiografía Lingüística (SEHL) in 2009 and the 13th International Conference on the History of the Language Sciences (ICHoLS XIII) in 2014, both hosted by the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), in Vila Real, Portugal.
At ICHoLS XIII, he also took part in the roundtable discussion “Historiography of Linguistics: Past, Present and Future”, a particularly memorable occasion for reflecting on the development, challenges, and future directions of our discipline.
We would like to share three audiovisual recordings that preserve something of his personality, intellectual insight, and lifelong dedication to the historiography of linguistics:
- 7th International Conference of the SEHL (2009): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyZTrT7DtiA
- Interview with Professor Hans-Josef Niederehe (ICHoLS XIII, 2014): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrILoKXGNRw
- Roundtable “Historiography of Linguistics: Past, Present and Future” (ICHoLS XIII, 2014): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtQtjme810c
At this sad moment, we wish to pay heartfelt tribute to Professor Niederehe, expressing our deepest gratitude not only for his extraordinary scholarly contributions but, above all, for his mentorship, intellectual generosity, and lifelong commitment to our discipline.
The historiography of linguistics has lost one of its great masters. His scholarship, his example, and his memory will remain with us.
Rest in peace, Professor Niederehe, and thank you so very much for everything.
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