Mapping and Recording of Sign Language in Libras in the Bachelor's Degree in Science and Technology (BS&T) at Brazilian Universities

• Grant number: 25/04299-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Linguistics, Literature and Arts - Linguistics
• Principal Investigator: Ivani Rodrigues Silva
• Grantee: Thaiz Silva Moraes Cantanhede
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/01130-0 - Science Center for the Development of Assistive Technology for Bilingual Education for the Deaf - CCD-TAEBS, AP.CCD

Abstract

Deaf students in higher education face the challenge of the absence of specific signs in Libras in certain areas of knowledge, such as science and technology. Thus, the present project aims to map and record the signs in Libras existing (or developed/created) in the Bachelor of Science and Technology (BS&T) of Brazilian Universities, aiming to improve the teaching and learning of deaf students in Brazilian higher education and of future deaf entrants in BS&T of Brazilian Universities. The specific objectives include collecting signs used in BC&T courses taken by deaf students from Brazilian universities and developing a manual in Libras with these signs. The proposed methodology involves ethical approval, the identification of specific BC&T terms and concepts, the verification of the existence of signs in Libras for these terms, consultation with deaf students and Libras interpreters for the registration of signs. In this sense, in addition to contributing to research in the area of Libras, the project promotes inclusive and equitable education by developing a manual (through registration) in Libras, essential for students, educators and interpreters in the context of Brazilian higher education, especially at BS&T.