Parole vociate e orecchiate e parole segnate e viste (parole oculate…)

In this paper we will present the enriching intersection between Tullio De Mauro’s theoretical framework and Italian sign language (LIS) research. We will highlight how a socio-semiotic perspective of language has enriched the study of signed languages, allowing to overcome several critical issues raised by the first scientific description of signs. Furthermore, we will describe De Mauro’s commitment to supporting and promoting the language of the Italian Deaf community, going beyond scientific interest and paving the way for LIS to be taught into Italian universities.