How LIS Deaf Users Perceive VRI. Implications for Interpreters’ Practice and Training

Within the sociocultural framework, sign language interpreting is conceived as a dynamic process shaped by contextual factors, including the online modality. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) has expanded, bringing both advantages and challenges for interpreters and Deaf users. In Italy, Italian Sign Language (LIS) interpreters face this complexity, alongside the need to meet high-quality demands from Deaf users, who have increasingly played an active role in interpreting. Nevertheless, Deaf perspectives on VRI remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to document these perspectives by addressing the following research question: How do Deaf LIS signers perceive VRI? Adopting an ethnographic data-driven approach, six semi-structured LIS interviews were Zoom-recorded, translated into Italian, and thematically analysed. Results show that Deaf users consider VRI as an opportunity, although they recognise its obstacles, with differences based on specific settings. Focusing on interpreters, participants perceive their linguistic and technical challenges, as well as considerations related to professionalism. Data also suggest ethical and cultural implications about interpreters’ mediating role. Overall, these findings enrich previous literature by providing novel insights from Italian Deaf narratives. They also acknowledge Deaf users’ centrality in developing high-quality services, laying the groundwork for future Deaf-centered interpreting practices and training.