Study of the lexicon in Libras

a compositional analysis of dictionaries and signalers from different historical moments

Abstract

It is known that, in terms of historical analysis of any language, the record of the lexicon is of primary importance. In the case of minority languages, such as Libras, the production of signalers and glossaries can contribute to the documentation of that language and its subsequent study (Quadros et al., 2020). Understanding the production of signs as a result of a linguistic policy, we propose, in this study, to analyze the compositional aspects, that is, the micro and macrostructural resources, and the possible implications related to the interaction of users with the interfaces based on the investigation of six Libras signs, three printed and three digital. Supported by a qualitative study (Gibbs, 2009), characterized as documentary research (Moreira, 2002), we were able to verify that printed and digital productions tend, despite using different resources, to be based on visual and visual aspects. iconicity, at the same time that many of the tools privilege written Portuguese as the language of construction. Therefore, our analyzes and reflections indicate the need for works that privilege or expand the space attributed to Libras, since this is the language that is the object of study of signage and, in terms of constitution, must value the combination of iconographic aspects associated with a linguistic description, considering that it is also a linguistic study instrument.