Os parâmetros da Língua Brasileira de Sinais e da Língua Terena de Sinais sob a perspectiva da Linguística Sistêmico-Funcional

Abstract

Visual-spatial languages, such as sign languages, have historically received little attention in linguistic studies, especially regarding their minority varieties. Despite recent advances in applied studies that mobilize linguistic theories for the analysis of sign languages, there is still a significant gap in the study of the functioning and linguistic variations of these languages within the Brazilian context. This absence limits the recognition and appreciation of these forms of communication. Given this scenario, the present thesis is based on social semiotics, specifically Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL); to analyze sign languages in Indigenous communities, comparing them with the most widely used sign language in Brazil, Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). The main objective is to identify and describe the variations in linguistic parameters between Libras and the Terena Sign Language, from the perspective of Systemic-Functional Linguistics of two linguistic groups: Terena deaf individuals and urban deaf individuals. The specific objectives are: (a) to describe comparatively the linguistic patterns of Libras and Terena Sign Language in the representation of experience; (b) to analyze contextual aspects of the Terena minority group; (c) to correlate aspects of the linguistic variations of Libras parameters through the applicability of Systemic-Functional Linguistics. The theoretical framework mobilizes concepts from the ideational metafunctions of SFL, focusing on the representation of experience through the transitivity system (HALLIDAY, 1994; HALLIDAY & MATTHIESSEN, 2014), as well as SFL analyses applied to sign languages, such as British Sign Language (RUDGE, 2018). Additionally, studies on sign parameters (ALMEIDA, 2012, 2013, 2014; QUADROS; KARNOPP, 2004; QUADROS; SCHMIEDT, 2006) and on minority Indigenous groups (FUNASA, 2022) are used. The methodology follows ethical protocols approved by the Ethics Committee and adopts a qualitative exploratory approach. Semi-structured questionnaires and virtual field research were conducted in Terena villages and among urban signers. The data analysis was structured into three main stages: register analysis (situational context), sign analysis, and ideational metafunctions analysis. In the first stage, the situational contexts of the interviews are described; in the second, the sign analysis focuses on the linguistic parameters of Libras; and in the third, patterns and variations in the construction of the interviewees' experiences are identified based on the transitivity system. The study results revealed the need for further SFL studies comparing Libras and Terena Sign Language. In terms of contributions, this research is expected to promote the visibility of urban deaf individuals and Terena deaf Indigenous people, contributing to the recognition of these communities and their languages within both academic and social contexts.

Keywords: Libras; Terena Sign Language; Systemic-Functional Linguistics; Minorities.