Libras (Brazilian Sign Language)

[gemini_artemis]

I started to take an interest in Libras (a.k.a. Brazilian Sign Language) after watching Libras interpreters in my Accounting video classes. I was just fascinated by how they could convey such complex words and concepts through mere hand gestures and facial expressions

Comments

[arrowwhiskers]

Omg this looks so cool!!!!

I have wanted to study ASL for so long...I might take a course at my U this summer if Andres will pay for it. I doubt he will though xD; But it would be awesome to compare signs in the two languages.

Sign languages really are basically the coolest languages ever, linguistically.

[gemini_artemis]

Yeah, I'll probably have to pay for a course at my current uni, too, if I decide to take it. But hey, maybe you can learn the basics online? I'm sure there will be videos about ASL on YouTube, too. I've actually been meaning to search and watch them so I can compare it to Libras. XD

Yeah, I agree. I'm just fascinated by Libras syntax. I really wish I could study it in depth. Also, questions like language acquisition, semantics, etc... Sadly, I haven't been able to find much material (basic classes, visual dictionaries) for free online. Which is a surprise to me, considering that it's recognized as an official language in Brazil. :/

[arrowwhiskers]

Yeah, there are definitely some good websites for learning ASL, notably lifeprint, but while I've worked through it some, it's kind of hard because ASL varies enormously with region and it's kind of important to get involved in the deaf community locally to figure out exactly which signs you should be learning, etc.

Also because you can't really write it, I've found it hard to remember signs without practicing them with other people haha...

That's really sad that there's not more resources for Libras though, definitely surprising, considering you said that so many people have to study it, too.

[gemini_artemis]

I know what you mean. Libras also has different signs in different regions. There are actually writing systems for sign languages, but they look kinda confusing to me, maybe because I just need to get used to it, but yeah, actually seeing and using the signs makes it a lot easier to memorize them.

Maybe Libras does have a lot material available and I'm just failing at finding it. T_T I'll keep looking, though.

[arrowwhiskers]

Oh I forgot to mention that the sign for "oi" makes me so happy xD

[gemini_artemis]

Haha, yeah, I like it, too! It's easy to remember. :D

[quabazaa]

Love it! I really adore sign languages, I will definitely do more NZSL at some point (or Auslan if I keep living here). I also love the sign for oi xD and bom. It's interesting that the sign for surdo means hearing in Auslan hehe. I like the one for dificil as well. Sign language grammar is fascinating too, I only did one course but the use of space and classifiers were two of my fav things.

[gemini_artemis]

Oh, that's funny how a sign in one sign language can mean the opposite in another sign language! I read that NZSL and Auslan are related, but how similar are they, in your opinion? Do they have a lot of signs in common? Are they mutually intelligible?

[quabazaa]

They are really more like dialects imho, see "BANZSL" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BANZSL

I'm obviously still a beginner so I don't have a deep understanding but when I moved here I found that I picked up the basics of Auslan quite quickly. I went to see a play in Auslan for example, and although it was being interpreted the whole time I definitely recognised a lot of signs. I'm pretty sure they are mutually intelligble to native/fluent signers, especialy with enough exposure.

[gemini_artemis]

Oh, I see! That's interesting. ^^ I guess it's a good thing that NZSL and Auslan are so similar, because that makes it easier for you to learn both. If you moved to Switzerland, would you also try to learn some DSGS, even though it's unrelated to BANZSL?

Happy Belated Birthday!

[speadee]

I'm glad you are learning sign language. I think it's good to learn. After my brother and sister-in-law started showing ASL videos to my nephew, I started to try learning, too.

Thanks!

[gemini_artemis]

Oh, that's nice! ^^