Ricerc@Sapienza

Over the last half-century, research on Sign Languages (SL) has advanced significantly, shedding light on how SLs function and providing a valuable foundation for teaching L2 learners. However, this wealth of knowledge from SL linguistics hasn't been effectively incorporated into curriculum design and teaching practices. Despite the publication of supplementary descriptors for sign language competence in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in 2018, these descriptors are not tailored to Italian Sign Language (LIS) and need adaptation. LIS teaching and assessment in Italy has predominantly relied on insights from practitioners and informal mentoring. While these approaches can be effective, they lack a structured foundation. The general objective of the project, that is named after its final product, i.e. the LIS-A standardized test for Italian sign language proficiency., is to provide a framework for Italian sign language proficiency that can meet teaching and certification requirements, by defining proficiency levels in relation to thresholds. The urge for a standardized test is becoming more relevant as in recent years Italy has experienced a growing interest in sign language courses in higher education (in addition to Sapienza university of Rome there are sign language courses at University of Venezia, Milano, Catania, Parma and Trento). Therefore, such tests are required to assess a new generation of students that will, eventually, enter a more and more diverse and inclusive workforce. From a methodological perspective, the foundation for designing and developing a LIS test lies in Fulcher’s (2010) testing cycle process, which will be followed step by step in order to create a high-quality, valid, reliable, and well-calibrated test, enabling valid inferences to be drawn about test-takers' proficiency levels from their test results. At the social level, the project will contribute to defining the requirements for various LIS professionals, ultimately promoting inclusive growth and addressing inequalities.