Acquisition of semantic classifiers by listeners learning Brazilian sign language as L2M2

ABSTRACT

This study aims to investigate the acquisition of semantic classifiers by L2M2 listeners learning Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) in two different levels: intermediate and advanced. Based on Paiva (2005) and Larsen-Freeman (2006), it argues that the linguistic modality of Libras is an attractor of the complex system and can act as a fixed attractor or as a strange attractor. Through a transversal methodology, it relies on data from two groups of learners who told a narrative after having watched a non-verbal film about a pear. Results show that the learners’ choices were diverse when describing quantity, shape, and volume of a basket as well as when demonstrating its location in the space. Analysis demonstrated that the performance of the visual-manual modality as a fixed attractor generated productions which were distant from L2M2, while its performance as a strange attractor favored productions that were similar to the so-called targets. Findings also pointed out that in this movement of attraction learners cross critical thresholds with the presentation of creative adaptations in the complex system.

Keywords:
Brazilian Sign Language; second language acquisition; second modality; complex system