TEACHING LIBRAS FOR DEAF PEOPLE ― A DEAF TEACHERS’ VISION

Abstract

The aim of the present study, part of a master’s dissertation in Education, was to analyse what Sign Language teachers represent for the aims, importance and difficulties in teaching Libras4. The theoretical support is from the Cultural Studies and Deaf Studies. Ten deaf teachers in the state of Rio Grande do Sul were interviewed in Libras and recorded in video. The questions were: which is the role for the Sign Language (LS) teaching; have the teachers seen any relation between this teaching and empowering students; how teachers from other disciplines have seen the teachers of this discipline (LS); and how the deaf identity is related to the sign language curriculum. Analysing the interviews has shown that teachers recognise the importance of this teaching and its relevance for deaf identities, but had difficulties such as: students’ failing in participating in the deaf community; deaf teachers’ isolation in some schools and the need for friends to exchange ideas; discrimination against Libras teachers; and some teachers’ insecurity concerning the curriculum. The analysis has shown positive aspects, but also indicated that there is much to do concerning the Libras schooling. Keywords: Libras teaching – deaf people teaching – deaf teachers