LIBRAS (Brazilian Sign Language) is a linguistic structure of a visual-spatial modality as complete as any other language. It is a natural language of the hearing impaired and each country has its own.
LIBRAS was based on French Sign Language. As happens in any language, with Libras it could not be different either, it presents expressions that differ from region to region (regionalisms), maintaining the legitimacy of the language.
To communicate through this language, there is a study that teaches signs from combinations, movements, among others, which are performed at the time of communication. Know some of the parameters used and how this communication process takes place:
• Hand configuration is done by typing (manual alphabet), as well as other forms that are performed by the predominant hand or, in some cases, by both. Certain letters are used several times to express a particular word, however, they differ by the point in the body where it is expressed.
• The point of articulation is symbolized through the place where the predominant hand falls, that is, the place where the sign is made.
• Hand movement may or may not exist, depending on the signal it will represent.
• Facial expression is essential for the real understanding of the sign, because in sign language, intonation is performed through facial expression.
• Signs follow certain directions and directions. For example, when expressing the verb IR and VIR, the directions are opposite.
When communicating through LIBRAS, as with other languages, it is necessary to know mainly its grammatical structure and not just the symbols in a loose way.
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By Elen Cristine Campos Caiado
Graduated in Speech Therapy and Pedagogy
Brazil School Team
Speech Therapy - Brazil School
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
CAIADO, Elen Cristine Maia Campos. "Knowing Sign Language"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/fonoaudiologia/conhecendo-lingua-sinais.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.