130 - Aula Teórica - Anáfora e Catáfora

Summary

This video lesson, presented by Gisele from Ponta Grossa, Paraná, explores the linguistic concepts of anaphora and cataphora in both Portuguese and Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). It explains how anaphora refers back to a previously mentioned subject, while cataphora anticipates the subject. The video provides practical examples in spoken Portuguese and demonstrates how these structures can be expressed in Libras through pointing, non-manual expressions, classifiers, and the use of mental and subrogated spaces. The lesson emphasizes proper eye direction, contextualization, and the inclusion of narrators, culminating in exercises for viewers to practice anaphora and cataphora in Libras.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anaphora refers to when a pronoun or word refers back to a previously mentioned noun or idea, while cataphora anticipates the reference by using a pronoun or word before the actual noun.
• 😀 In Portuguese, an example of anaphora is: 'Yesterday I went to the market and met my friend. He is working there.' The pronoun 'he' refers to 'friend'.
• 😀 An example of cataphora in Portuguese is: 'Yesterday I went there and met him. My friend works at the market.' Here, 'there' and 'him' precede the actual noun ('market' and 'friend').
• 😀 In Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), anaphora and cataphora can be expressed through pointing or using facial expressions that convey the reference.
• 😀 Anaphora in Libras can involve pointing to a previously mentioned object or person, while using a non-manual marker (a facial expression) can emphasize the reference.
• 😀 Cataphora in Libras can be expressed with pointing or using non-manual markers to anticipate the reference before it is fully introduced.
• 😀 The 'mental space token' technique in Libras involves visualizing a reference point in space to indicate who or what is being talked about, aiding in both anaphora and cataphora.
• 😀 A classifier in Libras can be used to represent people or objects in specific locations in space, helping to visualize both anaphora and cataphora in communication.
• 😀 When using 'subrogated mental space' in Libras, a person's body position, like turning the torso or tilting it toward a reference, helps convey anaphora or cataphora, ensuring agreement with the context.
• 😀 It's crucial in Libras that the direction of the eyes, in addition to body position and facial expressions, aligns with the context to indicate the proper reference, such as directing eyes upward for taller people and downward for shorter people.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video is explaining anaphora and cataphora, both in Portuguese and Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), including their definitions, examples, and techniques for use in communication.

How is anaphora defined in the script?

Anaphora is defined as the linguistic device that refers back to a previously mentioned element (the antecedent) in a sentence, often replaced by a pronoun.

How is cataphora defined in the script?

Cataphora is defined as the linguistic device where the pronoun or reference appears before the element it refers to, essentially anticipating the referent.

Can you provide an example of anaphora in Portuguese from the script?

Yes. Example: 'Ontem fui ao mercado e encontrei o meu amigo. Ele está trabalhando lá.' Here, 'Ele' refers back to 'meu amigo' and 'lá' refers back to 'mercado'.

Can you provide an example of cataphora in Portuguese from the script?

Yes. Example: 'Ontem eu fui lá e o encontrei. Meu amigo trabalha no mercado.' Here, 'o' anticipates 'meu amigo' and 'lá' anticipates 'mercado'.

How can anaphora and cataphora be expressed in Libras?

In Libras, anaphora and cataphora can be expressed using pointing (apontamento), non-manual markers such as facial expressions and body orientation, as well as techniques like mental space tokenization and subrogated space with classifiers.

What is the purpose of using non-manual markers in Libras?

Non-manual markers, such as facial expressions and body posture, help indicate the role of referents, convey grammatical relationships, and clarify whether the sentence involves anaphora or cataphora.

What is the 'mental space token' technique mentioned in the script?

The mental space token technique involves visualizing referents in a specific spatial location, allowing the signer to reference them consistently during the conversation without physically pointing.

What is the 'Holy Play' or subrogated space technique in Libras?

In the Holy Play or subrogated space technique, the signer physically assumes the role of the referent by rotating and leaning the torso, allowing the body to act as the grammatical subject or object instead of using manual pointing.

What guidelines are given for eye direction when using anaphora in Libras?

The direction of the eyes must correspond to the context, such as the relative height of the characters. For example, when conversing between a tall and a short person, the eyes adjust vertically; when characters are at the same height, the gaze remains horizontal.

Are there limitations to the use of anaphora in Libras?

Yes. Anaphora in Libras is generally limited to interactions involving two characters. It cannot be effectively used with three or more characters simultaneously, requiring careful contextualization.

How does the script suggest students practice anaphora and cataphora in Libras?

The script suggests reading provided sentences, practicing the signs in Libras while observing correct body orientation, gaze direction, and non-manual markers, and then presenting their signed version to the group.