Timely dialogues on indigenous sign languages: presentation of the Dossier “Emergencies of indigenous sign languages”

Abstract

This dossier, entitled “Emergencies of indigenous sign languages”, aims to present the emergence of sign languages in indigenous territories in Brazil and Mexico, with dialogues also in Spain and Paraguay. The dossier consists of six studies that address ethnoterminology in signs of different Brazilian indigenous ethnicities, sign languages and the linguistic context of the deaf indigenous Omágua-Kambeba, Paiter-Suruí, Kaapor, Terena, Sateré Mawé, Guarani and Kaiowá, Kaingang, Akwe-Xerente, Pataxó, Xukuru de Ororubá, as well as the Maya Yucateca sign language from Mexico. Research still discusses the interculturality between Brazilian sign language (Libras in Portuguese) and indigenous sign languages, including their incidence on the schooling of deaf indigenous peoples. It’s possible to realize that, although indigenous sign languages exist, there is still an invisibility in linguistic and educational documents and policies, both in Brazil and abroad.