top of page
Writer's pictureAdmin

BRAZIL: What sign languages are used in Brazil?

Updated: Apr 21, 2023




This article can help you answer the following questions:




 

Where is Brazil?




 


How many Deaf / Hard of Hearing people are in Brazil?


There are an estimated 7,014,400 Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Brazil.




This percentage is a rough estimation: 3.3% of the general population. Lack of research make estimating these numbers difficult. The World Health Organization estimates 5% of the world population has significant hearing loss. Keep in mind that developing nations typically have a much higher number of Deaf and Hard of Hearing populations.



 


What sign languages are used in Brazil?


  • Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras) or Brazilian Sign Language

    • Dialects:

      • Brazilian Cities Sign Language

      • São Paulo Sign Language

  • Urubu–Ka'apor Sign Language

  • Isolated Brazilian Indian tribes are also reported to have their own sign languages.




Written / spoken languages in Brazil:

  • Portuguese

  • Indigenous: Apalaí, Arára, Bororo, Canela, Carajá, Carib, Guarani, Kaingang, Nadëb, Nheengatu, Pirahã, Terena, Tucano, Tupiniquim, Wanano, Ye'kuana


 

How do you say Brazil in sign language?





 

Where can I learn Brazilian sign languages online?


InterSign University offers online Libras courses. Register here:





 


Where is the Deaf village in Brazil?



 

What Deaf organizations are located in Brazil?


feneis@feneis.org.br

diretoriarj@feneis.org.br

http://www.feneis.org.br

Description: Works to defend the rights of deaf people in Brazil and to disseminate Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS).


info@solarear.com.br

http://www.solarear.com.br

Description: Manufactures low cost hearing aids and solar chargers, made by people who are deaf.


Source: Gallaudet

 

Additional sign language resources for Brazil




Disability Studies Quarterly: 'We did it ourselves': The Deaf Social Movement and the Quest for the Legal Recognition of the Libras Sign Language in Brazil




We will update this section as more information becomes available.

Comments


bottom of page