A Comparative Study of Pointing in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) and Polish Sign Language (PJM)

• In Event: Cross-Cultural Educational Practices

Abstract

This study presents initial findings from my first-year doctoral research at the Institute of Polish Language, Polish Academy of Sciences. It investigates "Pointing in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) and Polish Sign Language (PJM): An Interlinguistic Comparison," aiming to compare the use of pointing signs in these two sign languages. The analysis, based on videos from the RISE project, reveals differences in the frequency and types of pointing signs used in Libras and PJM. Libras showed more classifiers, while PJM had a higher number of agreement verbs and additional signs for localization. This research provides early insights into the linguistic functions of pointing signs and contributes to understanding the structural and functional variations between Libras and PJM.

Author

• Sirlara Alves, Universidade Federal do Reconcavo da Bahia