Introduction to LIBRAS: Brazilian Sign Language Basics

Learning LIBRAS is the first step toward fostering true inclusion and communicating effectively with the deaf community in Brazil. This course is designed for absolute beginners who want to build a solid foundation in Brazilian Sign Language from scratch. You will transition from having zero knowledge to understanding basic vocabulary, sentence structure, and the essential cultural nuances of the deaf community. By studying the written linguistic breakdowns, you will learn how to structure thoughts directly in LIBRAS rather than translating word-for-word. What you will learn: Understand foundational concepts, including the differences between deaf, oralized deaf, and hard-of-hearing individuals; Master essential beginner vocabulary, including greetings, numbers, the manual alphabet, and everyday expressions; Learn how to construct grammatically correct sentences using LIBRAS syntax; Translate thoughts from Portuguese to LIBRAS by understanding the linguistic shifts; Apply non-manual expressions, such as facial and body movements, to convey meaning; Explore modern inclusive communication practices and etiquette within the deaf community. The course begins with essential terminology and cultural history before moving into step-by-step vocabulary blocks, grammatical rules, and practical communication exercises. This course is designed for complete beginners with no prior experience in sign language. Start your journey into Brazilian Sign Language and open up new pathways for communication today.