7 curiosidades sobre a Libras que você precisa ficar sabendo | Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras)

Summary

In this engaging video, Tom Dourado presents seven intriguing facts about Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). Officially recognized as a Brazilian language in 2002, Libras is not universally applicable, as each country has its own sign language. Originating from French Sign Language, it was introduced to Brazil in 1855 by the deaf professor, Whats, who established the first school for the hearing impaired. The video highlights that Libras has its own grammatical structure, incorporating facial and body expressions that can alter meanings. It emphasizes the importance of accessibility for deaf individuals and their need to be literate in Libras as their natural language.

Takeaways

• 😀 Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) was officially recognized as a Brazilian language in 2002 under law 10.436.
• 😀 Libras is not a universal sign language; each country has its own distinct sign language.
• 😀 Libras originated from French Sign Language (LSF) and was introduced to Brazil in 1855 by deaf professor Whats.
• 😀 The first school for the deaf in Brazil, the Imperial Institute of Deaf-Mutes, was founded by Whats and is now known as the National Institute of Education for the Deaf (INES).
• 😀 Libras has its own complete grammatical structure, distinguishing it from mere adaptations of spoken languages.
• 😀 In addition to hand signs, facial and body expressions are crucial in Libras, as they can change the meaning of a phrase.
• 😀 A significant number of people with hearing loss do not understand written Portuguese due to differences in grammar and late language acquisition.
• 😀 The Brazilian Inclusion Law (Law 51) mandates public institutions to provide accessible services for everyone, including the deaf community.
• 😀 Accessibility should extend to websites and all services offered to both hearing and deaf individuals.
• 😀 Deaf individuals should be literate in Libras, as it is their natural language; it is incorrect to label them as illiterate simply because they do not master Portuguese.

Q & A

What is Libras?

Libras is the Brazilian Sign Language, officially recognized as a Brazilian language in 2002.

Why is Libras not widely taught in schools?

Despite its official recognition, Libras is not commonly taught in schools, leading to limited knowledge among the general public.

Is Libras a universal sign language?

No, Libras is not a universal sign language; each country has its own sign language, and Libras specifically has its roots in French Sign Language (LSF).

Who brought sign language to Brazil?

Professor Surdo Whats brought sign language to Brazil in 1855 and founded the first school for the deaf in the country.

What is the historical significance of the Imperial Institute of Surdos-Mudos?

The Imperial Institute of Surdos-Mudos, founded by Professor Whats in Rio de Janeiro, was the first educational institution for deaf individuals in Brazil.

Does Libras have its own grammatical structure?

Yes, Libras has a complete grammatical structure of its own and is not merely an adaptation of spoken languages.

How do facial and body expressions affect Libras?

In Libras, facial and body expressions are integral and can change the meaning of a sign or phrase.

Why might some deaf individuals struggle with written Portuguese?

Many deaf individuals may struggle with written Portuguese due to grammatical differences and late language acquisition.

What does the Brazilian Inclusion Law (Lei Brasileira de Inclusão) require?

The Brazilian Inclusion Law mandates that public services be accessible to all, including providing services for the deaf community.

Why is it incorrect to consider deaf individuals illiterate?

It is incorrect to label deaf individuals as illiterate simply because they may not dominate Portuguese; their natural language is Libras.