LIBRAS, VARIEDADE DE MACEIÓ: seus usos e formas linguísticas na caracterização de interações verbais formais e informais

Abstract

This study aims to record and analyze variations in the speech of users of Brazilian Sign Language (hereinafter Libras) under the linguistic contexts of formality and informality based on the theoretical-methodological precepts of Labov (1996). Thus, this research is based on the perspective of variationist Sociolinguistics, that is, the language undergoes regional or geographic variation; social and stylistic variation and variation in speech and writing. We consider that the linguistic variable is, therefore, “a set of two or more variants. These, in turn, are different linguistic forms that convey a meaning” (FIORIN, 2006). Therefore, each individual has his or her own particular way of using the language, in the oral modality, each speaker has his or her typical way of speaking, which differentiates them from others, be it tone of voice, the characteristic use of slang and/or specific words. As for Libras, as it is a natural language, it also presents the linguistic phenomenon of variation, inherent to any human language and which, therefore, must be investigated by university students with a view to ensuring the quality of training for research teachers regarding their performance in the development of didactic-pedagogical activities in the teaching-learning of Libras, thus justifying the importance of the theme for the area.