LIBRAS RESEARCH: CONSIDERATIONS BETWEEN SOCIAL RELEVANCE AND THEORETICAL-METHODOLOGICAL LIMITS

This article identifies the current stage of studies developed in postgraduate studies that investigate the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). The objective was to identify the main difficulties in using theory and methodology to carry out research with quality and that produce scientific knowledge and efficient public policies for deaf people. The study was carried out in three stages: first, review of studies on research on Libras; second, search for data in the catalog of Brazilian theses and dissertations to identify general characteristics in studies on Libras; third, conducting a case study on research on Libras in a local graduate program. The conclusion of the study resulted from the comparison and analysis of the data, and identified three limits for the advancement of knowledge about Libras in Brazil.