Navigating International Sign in Glocal Deaf Networks: Developing Deaf-centred Methodologies in Transnational Deaf Community Spaces

Abstract

This study is an autoethnographic exploration of the experiences of a Brazilian deaf PhD student based in Sweden who conducted fieldwork in Lithuania's deaf community spaces. It seeks to demonstrate the process of navigating glocal deaf networks, addressing Lithuanian deaf community spaces as a deaf PhD student in International Sign, and developing mutual understanding and collaboration on deaf-centred research. Following a year of continued collaboration, this case study focuses on the initial data collection phase, which occurred before, during, and immediately following the first fieldwork visit to Lithuania. The research design included participant observations and individual video-recorded interviews in International Sign. The study reflects on the role of glocal deaf networks in deaf-centred research, starting with sharing ideas, mutual support, and connecting people in multilingual contexts. Technology and virtual spaces were fundamental for maintaining and expanding glocal deaf networks. The study highlights International Sign as a powerful communicative practice enabling connections across glocal deaf community spaces, important to think of deaf-centred research methods. However, it also recognises that unequal access to glocal deaf networks, such as linguistic and financial barriers, can create a scenario where not all deaf voices can participate equally. Therefore, while glocal deaf networks offer significant opportunities for collaboration, more equitable access is needed to fully empower deaf-centred research on a global scale.