Objective:
The aim of this study was to compare the process of identity development between deaf Italian adolescents who prefer the use of sign language and those who use verbal language.

Method:
Ten interviews were conducted for each group (N = 20), in which aspects such as the narration of one's own history, self-image, perceptions of prejudice about deafness, and future plans were explored. The analysis of the material was conducted in two distinctive stages: the identification of keywords summarizing the interviews was followed by the creation of macro-categories based on semantic similarity. Subsequently, the interviews were coded and grouped into three typological profiles, maintaining a distinction between sign language and verbal communication.

Results:
The different forms of communication did not play a crucial role in identity formation, but only differentiated certain aspects of the development process, especially in two generally homogeneous clusters. On the contrary, the different communication modes adopted seemed to assume greater significance in the third typological profile, which represented more critical and heterogeneous situations.

Conclusion:
When interpreting identity development, it is crucial not to focus mainly on the type of communication adopted by the adolescent, but also to consider other elements that influence the process, such as family, school, peer comparison, and cultural affiliation. This study emphasizes the practical need to implement personalized interventions by taking a global perspective.

Keywords: Deafness, signers, oralists, identity development, adolescence.