Non-Manual Expression – Sign Language as L2

Abstract

Sign Language is fundamental for Deaf communication, culture and citizenship. The Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) is a complet linguistic system, of visual-spatial modality, with specificities that present a challenge for teaching and learning as L2. Non-Manual Expression is on atributte of the language for meaning attribution. Meaning attribution occurs from visual symbolic processes where non-manual expressions acquire a central role, and differs from those used in the oral language. This requires adequate educational practices and pedagogical material for the acquisition of Libras as L2. This research proposes a learning object and a methodology for teaching and learning of Libras in the form of a game that focus on non-manual expressions. The proposed methodology comprises the context, the theme of the communication situation, the utterance of the sign in Libras, along with learning fixation activities. Validation shows the importance of valuing the grammar of Libras as a pedagogical strategy that is adequate to teaching and learning non-manual expression in Libras.