Brazilian Sign Language
Encyclopedia
Brazilian Sign Language, also known as "Libras" (from "Língua Brasileira de Sinais") and previously known as LSB, LGB or LSCB (Brazilian Cities Sign Language), is the language of the Deaf communities of urban Brazil
.
A strong sign language law was passed by the National Congress of Brazil
on April 24, 2002, and (in 2005) is in the process of being implemented. The law mandates the use of Libras in education and government services.
Educational approaches has evolved from oralism
to Total Communication
to bilingualism.
uses a one-handed manual alphabet similar to that used by the French Sign Language
family.
There are 44 distinct handshapes used in the language.
, Caxias do Sul
and Rio Grande do Sul
.
.
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
.
Recognition and status
Libras is well-established; several dictionaries, instructional videos and a number of articles on the linguistic features of the language have been published.A strong sign language law was passed by the National Congress of Brazil
National Congress of Brazil
The National Congress of Brazil is the legislative body of Brazil's federal government.Unlike regional legislative bodies – Legislative Assemblies and City Councils -, the Congress is bicameral, composed of the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies .The Senate represents the 26 states and...
on April 24, 2002, and (in 2005) is in the process of being implemented. The law mandates the use of Libras in education and government services.
Educational approaches has evolved from oralism
Oralism
Oralism is the education of deaf students through spoken language by using lip reading, speech, and mimicking the mouth shapes and breathing patterns of speech instead of using sign language within the classroom...
to Total Communication
Total Communication
Total Communication is an approach to deaf education that aims to make use of a number of modes of communication such as signed, oral, auditory, written and visual aids, depending on the particular needs and abilities of the child.-History:...
to bilingualism.
Alphabet
Libras fingerspellingFingerspelling
Fingerspelling is the representation of the letters of a writing system, and sometimes numeral systems, using only the hands. These manual alphabets , have often been used in deaf education, and have subsequently been adopted as a distinct part of a number of sign languages around the world...
uses a one-handed manual alphabet similar to that used by the French Sign Language
French Sign Language
French Sign Language is the sign language of the deaf in the nation of France. According to Ethnologue, it has 50,000 to 100,000 native signers....
family.
There are 44 distinct handshapes used in the language.
Deaf and sign language organizations
The most important deaf organization is FENEIS, the Federação Nacional de Educação e Integração dos Surdos (National Federation of Deaf Education and Integration). There are a number of regional organizations in CuritibaCuritiba
Curitiba is the capital of the Brazilian state of Paraná. It is the largest city with the biggest economy of both Paraná and southern Brazil. The population of Curitiba numbers approximately 1.75 million people and the latest GDP figures for the city surpass US$61 billion according to...
, Caxias do Sul
Caxias do Sul
Caxias do Sul is a city in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil, situated in the state's mountainous Serra Gaúcha region. Coordinates: 29°10′0″ S, 51°11′0″ W....
and Rio Grande do Sul
Rio Grande do Sul
Rio Grande do Sul is the southernmost state in Brazil, and the state with the fifth highest Human Development Index in the country. In this state is located the southernmost city in the country, Chuí, on the border with Uruguay. In the region of Bento Gonçalves and Caxias do Sul, the largest wine...
.
Classification
Wittmann (1991) posits that LIBRAS is a language isolate (a 'prototype' sign language), though one developed through stimulus diffusion from an existing sign language, likely French Sign LanguageFrench Sign Language
French Sign Language is the sign language of the deaf in the nation of France. According to Ethnologue, it has 50,000 to 100,000 native signers....
.
External links
- Full list of online LIBRAS dictionaries –
- www.libras.org.br – NGO with information and services relating to Libras.
- Collection of links by "The Interpreters Friend".
- Entrevista Com o Surdo Gay – IMDB info on movie in Libras.
- Site from Brazil – IMDB info from Brazil, very good.(Portuguese)
- Campanha Legenda Nacional – Video, in Portuguese and Libras with captioning, from the Brazilian campaign to promote captioning.