O processo classificatório de sinais da Libras: categorias determinativas e combinatórias

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyze how sign classification processes occur, considering the categories of determiners and articulators, within the context of spoken discourse (signed speech) of deaf professors in higher education, grounded not only on the formal characteristics of these linguistic phenomena, but also on the effective use of these forms in the current Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) practices. Specifically, we sought to investigate the sign classification processes performed in the speech of the deaf participants in the research; to analyze these classification processes in terms of the function that the signs perform in the speech context, considering syntactic, semantic and morphological aspects; and lastly, to identify and describe, within the signed speech of the research participants, the rules for combining and organizing signs through the use of determiners and articulators. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative, descriptive approach to elucidate the structure and functioning of Libras in natural usage. In particular, it guided the analysis of how the sign classification processes unfold, considering the categories of determiners and articulators found in the signaled speech of the participants. As a technical procedure, we used semi-structured interviews as a data collection instrument. Based on the theoretical apparatus, we analyzed the determinative and combinatory categories in the signed speech of deaf professors who teach Libras in undergraduate teaching programs and are enrolled in graduate studies at the Federal University of Uberlândia. Data were collected through video recordings of participants’ signed speech and analyzed based on a theoretical framework organized into a Conceptual Instrument which served as a parameter for data analysis. Our purpose is to foster scientific interest in the structure of Libras, particularly in relation to sign classification, by describing, documenting and recording its linguistic phenomena and the rules that organize its structure, thus justifying the relevance of this study. The recurrence of the grammaticalization processes phenomenon in the analyzed data led to the understanding that in Libras, items often exhibit dual articulation, lexical and grammatical, differing from the distinction commonly found in spoken languages between strictly lexical and grammatical items. This analysis aligned with the perspective of lexical solidarity, which emphasizes the importance of the sequential aspect of lexical content in constructing of utterances. We hope this research contributes to a better understanding of sign classification processes in Libras, especially regarding the categories of determiners and articulators. We also aim to support the dissemination and scientific recognition of Libras as a legitimate language and to lay the groundwork for future research.