Práxis Educativa
On-line version ISSN 1809-4309
Abstract
PUHL, Jéssica and BORGES, Elaine Ferreira do Vale. The role of affordances in Libras acquisition as second language. Práxis Educativa [online]. 2016, vol.11, n.2, pp.434-448. ISSN 1809-4309. https://doi.org/10.5212/PraxEduc.v.11i2.0007.
Libras is a visual-spatial language used by the Brazilian deaf community. Following the principles of spatiality and vision, the user of the sign language resorts more easily to stimuli from the environment than the user of the oral language. Thus, the hypothesis of this research is that the affordances (environmental properties that enable psychologically possible actions) would be a facilitator element in the process of Libras acquisition. In this paper we use the narrative and interpretive-qualitative research to discuss the role of affordances in the listener perception, interpretation and action cycle in Libras acquisition as second language. Results show that the Libras' iconic signs can be considered important affordances in the early stages of the acquisition. It is also observed the importance of the permanence in the niche where Libras is used for the sign language development.
Keywords : Affordances; Second Language Acquisition; Brazilian Sign Language.