A estrutura argumental preferida em libras: uma proposta inicial de análise no gênero conversa espontânea

Abstract

This study investigates the preferred argument structure in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), focusing on its grammatical and discursive aspects from a functionalist perspective. Based on Du Bois' theories (1987, 1993), which analyzed argument structure in spoken languages, this research aims to verify whether similar patterns apply to Libras, a visual-spatial language. Data from Corpus Libras were analyzed to examine how arguments are organized in sentences and their connection to the flow of information in discourse. The results indicate that, as in other natural languages, Libras exhibits a preferred argument structure that favors a single lexical argument per sentence, with specific syntactic and pragmatic preferences. This study contributes to the understanding of the syntactic and discursive organization of Libras, supporting the training of professionals in the field and promoting the recognition of sign language in academic and social contexts.