AS INFLUÊNCIAS CULTURAIS E HISTÓRICAS PARA A CRIAÇÃO E UTILIZAÇÃO DO SINAL EM LIBRAS DO ESTADO DO ACRE

Abstract

This article analyzes the cultural and historical influences on the creation and use of the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) sign for the state of Acre. Through bibliographic and documentary research, it was possible to discuss and analyze the consequences of changing the sign for Acre in Brazilian Sign Language. In this context, we aimed to: understand the relevance of the traditional sign used to identify the state of Acre in Libras, considering language as a characteristic of a people; and to analyze how the implementation of the new sign occurred and the decharacterization of the terminology of the traditional sign for the state of Acre, based on historical principles. The theoretical framework in the field of culture was guided by the proposals of (Hall, 2016), (Messina, 2016), (Pizarro, 2012), and (Freire, 2002). Scientific structuring in the area of Libras was supported by (Gesser, 2009), (Quadros, 2017; 2019), and (Quadros and Karnopp, 2004). The article discusses the historical, cultural, and identity formation of the Libras sign for the state of Acre, problematizing the recent proposal for change in light of historical, cultural, and linguistic narratives. It addresses literature that discusses culture, representation, discourse, power, linguistic prejudice, and heritage language, articulating such concepts with the use and creation of the sign for the state of Acre in Libras. The results indicate that it is necessary to reconsider the new changes, given that they involve not only the identity of the Deaf people of Acre but also the disregard for Indigenous peoples and the entire identity structure established in official institutional materials, both at the school and national governmental levels.