Words, signs and the body: an analysis of embodiment in Libras from the perspective of cognitive linguistics and its contributions to studies of translation in Sign Languages

Abstract

Translation and interpretation in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) go beyond the simple transposition of words between languages; they involve a creative process in which the interpreter’s body becomes the very medium of meaning construction (Silva, 2022). The Brazilian Sign Language-Portuguese Translator and Interpreter (TILSP) acts as an “embodiment of the text” (Lakoff; Johnson, 1999), bringing the full meaning of the original message into the body, gestures, and signs. This approach goes beyond the literal, favoring a recreation that respects the aesthetics, expressiveness, and culture of the Deaf community, which are central aspects of the visual-gestural language that is Libras (Machado, 2019). Literal translation often does not convey the full meaning of the original text. Simple literalism can distort the message, as content is inherently linked to how it is communicated. In the case of Libras, which depends on bodily, spatial, and facial expressiveness, the translation must be sensitive and creative, using these elements to preserve the original communicative effect. Transcreation (Campos, 2004) stands out as the most suitable strategy for translation in Libras. It involves recreating the text in the target language, respecting not only the semantic content but also the aesthetic and cultural aspects of the language. In this process, the interpreter is a mediator, reconfiguring the message to make it accessible and impactful for the Deaf audience. Libras requires the interpreter to create visual images and meaningful expressions, respecting the culture and identity of the Deaf community, configuring it as an inclusive and democratic practice.
Keywords: Translation and interpretation. Embodiment. Transcreation. Libras.