Sensibilização à Língua Gestual Portuguesa: um estudo no 1.º CEB

Abstract

This report describes the development of a research/intervention project implemented in a primary school at the district of Aveiro, Portugal. The theme of this work was raising awareness of Portuguese Sign Language (LGP). The book “The Sound of Colors”, by Paula Teixeira, was the basis for some of the sessions developed within the classroom environment. This project aimed to: (i) identify the images and knowledge that students had about the Portuguese Sign Language and (ii) increase awareness and knowledge of students regarding the LGP and linguistic diversity in the Portuguese area. It is also intended to warn children about the distinction between the concepts of being different and being disabled, so that these students become citizens more aware of diversity and capable of fighting for a more cohesive and democratic society.

If at the beginning of the process, the students revealed some gaps concerning the Portuguese Sign Language, at the end of the project the results showed that the students with whom this research has been developed, acknowledged the existence of another official language in Portugal, and understood the communication system that LGP uses. On the other hand, these students became more aware of the individuals who use this language to communicate, and how important it is to know and to be able of communicating with the Other. Note also that the students changed their knowledge and images about this language and its users, in the course of the development of this research/intervention project.