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Scientific signs and terms in the Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS): A reflection on the scarcity and the need for standardization

Abstract:

Throughout history, deaf people have been denied access to the natural sciences either due to a late consensus on how they should communicate, or because of the limiting belief that they did not possess the required skills. This article discusses the importance of developing new scientific terms and signs for the field of science. We conducted exploratory qualitative research, looking at signed terms to ensure the fidelity of the concepts addressed in a science center's traveling show. As a result, we found a scarcity of signs for many of the concepts that were addressed, as well as lack of standardization among those that are available and in use. We conclude that greater collaboration among research groups is required for the development of science glossaries in the Brazilian sign language so that deaf people can obtain information more easily.

Keywords:
Language and education; Education of the deaf; Brazilian sign language; Sign language

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação para a Ciência, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências, campus de Bauru. Av. Engenheiro Luiz Edmundo Carrijo Coube, 14-01, Campus Universitário - Vargem Limpa CEP 17033-360 Bauru - SP/ Brasil , Tel./Fax: (55 14) 3103 6177 - Bauru - SP - Brazil
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