THE LIBRAS CHORUS AS A STRATEGY TO PROMOTE THE VISIBILITY AND DISSEMINATION OF SIGN LANGUAGE IN BELÉM

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the importance of Libras choir organization initiatives for the dissemination of this language in Belém-PA. The work is theoretically based on Lulkin's (1997/2000/2005) analysis of cultural expressions as practices of control of the deaf body and on Dussel's (1993) work on the figure of colonization in the constitution of the myth of modernity. Methodologically, the research is characterized as field and documentary research, with a qualitative approach. The subjects of the research are two deaf teachers who were pioneers of Libras courses offered widely to the public. The data were produced from life narratives (Bertaux, 2010), collected through unstructured interviews, and were processed and analyzed using categorization (Oliveira, 2011) as a content analysis technique. As results, we highlight the identification of the organization of a Libras choir composed entirely of deaf people, as well as the review of the analytical bases on Libras choirs as instruments of control of the deaf body, situating the colonizing character of these actions, and reflection on a possible epistemological inversion. In short, it is a fight for recognition that is directly linked to the fight for the progressive visibility of sign language.