A melhoria do capital linguístico de surdos associados da comunidade religiosa das testemunhas de Jeová

Abstract

A major concern of deafness researchers in Brazil is the need of improving the Deaf performance in Portuguese language; this question has not been resolved yet. Some aspects have been little studied, especially when we are considering English language writing, such as reading. In order to check the relevance of reading practice, the aim of this study was to analyse whether deaf peoples when exposed to constant reading routines of texts of "good quality" together with discussions and public presentations at the meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses can bring improvement the linguistic capital these deaf peoples. The religious rituals adopted in the Congregation of Sign Language of Jehovah's Witnesses are linked to permanent employment readings that highlight the movement of two languages (Portuguese and Signals) as recommended by the bilingual proposal, educational option adopted in Brazil. The texts presented by this religious group have an irreplaceable character in the practices of his theological activities, causing everyone to be constantly encouraged to read. The texts are produced in two languages, and the LIBRAS material is presented in the form of video, with the intention of produce a welcoming and inclusive environment for circulation dialogues and teaching religious concepts. In this study we work with the qualitative, literature, analysing publications in both languages. For the analysis of empirical field, we seek dialogue with works by Kleiman, SIM-SIM, Viegas, Coscarelli, Quadros, Karnopp, Lacerda, Bourdieu, Assis Silva, Bardin, among others. We infer, through the analyses made, the deployment of the Congregation of Sign Language and ritual practices that Jehovah's Witnesses use in their religious meetings reveal that its members participate significantly from reading moments with permanent comments on the texts. We note the improvement of the linguistic capital of the deaf people encouraged by the access and permanent use of reading and discussions on the various issues addressed in the written materials available, enabling them to assume new senior positions within the congregation, including teach and conduct these religious meetings. This represents a significant advance in the construction of dialogue with the other members of the congregation (hearing and deaf), marked by the full experience of bilingualism, and may extend to other social living environments. We hope with the reflections that contribute to raise the bilingual educational planning can adopt the more routine and indispensable use of reading as a resource that will enable deaf people to access more diverse knowledge and skills to enter with more autonomy in society.