DEAF CULTURE 2 MOD. 1

The course is part of the common curriculum of the Bachelor's Degree in Languages, Civilizations, and Language Sciences and aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the unique characteristics of the Deaf Community from multiple perspectives, including cultural, legislative, historical, sociolinguistic, and psycholinguistic aspects. Particular attention will be given to concepts, methods, and analytical tools related to the way LIS (Italian Sign Language) is used by signers and the variation it exhibits in correlation with social factors. The course aims to foster the development of observational and reflective skills through the critical analysis of authentic materials produced by the Deaf Community.

1. Knowledge and understanding
Understand the historical, educational, and legislative aspects characterizing the Italian Deaf Community.
Understand the variation phenomena in LIS within its usage context and relate them to socio-cultural factors.
Acquire technical terminology and research methods for studying the Deaf Community from a socio-anthropological and sociolinguistic perspective.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Apply acquired knowledge to the contextual analysis of video testimonials produced by Deaf Community members.
Use sociolinguistic analysis tools to describe and understand LIS variation phenomena.
Properly use technical terminology in all processes of knowledge application.

3. Making judgements:
Analyze cultural and social aspects of deafness based on testimonials from individuals interacting with the Deaf Community, fostering critical reflection on contemporary events.
Formulate and argue hypotheses for analyzing sociolinguistic variation in LIS.

4. Communication skills:
Analyze and present key events of the Deaf Community at both local and international levels using appropriate terminology and well-structured arguments based on video testimonials.
Communicate acquired disciplinary content clearly, precisely, and effectively.
Engage critically and respectfully with peers and the instructor during lessons.

5. Learning skills:
Develop critical reasoning.
Independently consult reference texts and articles and seek new sources, including electronic formats.
Apply acquired competencies to future studies to stay updated and connected with the Deaf Community.

The student is required to have passed the course of Deaf Culture 1

The following topics will be discussed:
- Deaf Community: Internal composition, linguistic minority
- Language policies: Right to use and promotion of Italian Sign Language (LIS)
- Legislative references for the Deaf Community and LIS
- Concepts of Deafhood, Deaf Gain, and Audism
- The emancipation movements of the national and international Deaf Community
- Professional roles related to the Deaf Community in educational and linguistic contexts
- Sociolinguistics of sign languages: Methodology, tools, international literature
- Sociolinguistics of LIS: Phonological, lexical, morphological, and syntactic phenomena
- Case studies: Native vs. non-native signers, Deaf women, elderly Deaf individuals, foreign Deaf individuals, CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults)
- Introduction to psycholinguistics

Required Texts:
- Marziale B., Volterra V. (Eds.). (2016). Lingua dei segni, società e diritti. Rome: Carocci Editore → Chapters 4-5-6
- Cardinaletti A., Cecchetto C., Donati C. (Eds.) (2011). Grammatica, lessico e dimensioni di variazione nella LIS. Milan: Franco Angeli Editore → Sections: "Le lingue dei segni e i corpora" + "Grammatica, lessico e analisi sociolinguistica"
- Palazzo D. (2014). Il mio cammino verso la comunità sorda. Bari: La Matrice.

Video Materials:
- Short film: A Silent Child: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GbxFIVQv8c
- Documentary: Segna con me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HF1we5TJjk
- The Sign-Hub Documentary: We Were There... We Are Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vBGw2S6ETg

Additional course materials (lecture notes and supplementary readings) will be available in digital format on the course's Moodle page.

The assessment includes a one-hour written exam. The exam consists of 8 open-ended questions/exercises and aims to evaluate the understanding of the course content, the use of correct terminology, the ability to identify logical connections, and the capacity to analyze authentic materials produced by members of the Deaf Community from a cultural and sociolinguistic perspective.

written

The final grade will be determined based on the following criteria:
- Knowledge of the topics covered in lectures and textbooks: up to 10 points
- Ability to interpret data and formulate independent judgments: up to 10 points
- Communication skills, particularly clarity of expression and command of technical terminology: up to 10 points
Honours (“cum laude”) may be awarded in cases of excellent performance across all evaluated criteria.

The course is delivered in a blended format and is structured as follows:: 10 synchronous face-to-face classes and 5 asynchronous online classes.
Methods:
- Lectures;
- Moodle virtual classroom;
- online activities;
- analysis of video-recorded material in LIS.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development