Grammaticalization in Sign Languages

Abstract

This research describes the grammaticalization processes of signs in a synchronic view in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). Grammaticalization is generally defined as the process by which a given word undergoes linguistic changes to have an assigned grammatical function. The analysis includes data from the Libras Inventory of Tocantins and the Deaf Reference Corpus of Libras. This research describes interviews with nine Libras informants who are part of these two data collections. The data were analyzed in Elan. Specific tiers were created with different types of complex clauses and one for the linguistic phenomenon of grammaticalization. The data indicate that there is an ongoing grammaticalization process in Libras, especially in connectives of causal and conditional clauses