Sign Languages Writing System (ELiS): conceptions, valuations, and assessments in relation to the ELiS constructed by students and professionals in the field of Libras

This dissertation discusses the writing of the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), using the Sign Languages Writing System (ELiS). The study discusses the conceptions, valuations, and assessments in relation to the ELiS constructed by students of the Libras Language major at the Federal University of Goiás and professionals in the field of Libras. In addition, it addresses the possible implications of these conceptions for the academic and professional practices of the participants and problematizes the actions for the teaching of ELiS to be developed by the researcher. Bakhtin's principles (1997, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2017, 2018), in interface with studies on writing (CALKINS, 1989; CALVET, 2002; CHARTIER, 1998; GNERRE, 1991, among others), were used as a theoretical framework, as well as other references on sign language writing (BARROS, 2015; LUCHI and STUMPF, 2018; STUMPF and WANDERLEY, 2016, among others). The research, developed within a qualitative approach and the case study method, had the participation of fourteen students and five professionals in the field of Libras. Three instruments were used for data collection, all applied online, namely: a questionnaire, reflective sessions, and semi-structured interviews. The study resulted in: a) the identification of two concepts of sign language writing, based on different valuations and assessments; b) the discussion of the outcomes of academic experiences with sign language writing for Libras teaching practices; c) the observation of the fundamental role of Libras undergraduate teacher education programs in the teaching and dissemination of sign language writing; d) the development of proposals for the use of ELiS in teaching, research and university extension programs. Thus, the work contributes, even if only partially, to the development of teaching practices that focus on the training of professionals who know how to read and write sign language.