Resumo

PEREZ, Yolanda  e  TOVAR, Lionel. Analysis of the verbal interaction mediated by an sign language interpreter in a bilingual class for the hearing impaired. Investigación y Postgrado [online]. 2006, vol.21, n.2, pp.103-142. ISSN 1316-0087.

The number of institutions for the hearing impaired that use local sign language as a teaching language is growing rapidly. The purpose of this preliminary study was to examine the interactions observed in a History class in which the teacher taught in Spanish to a mix group of deaf, hypoacustic and hearing students helped by an interpreter using the Venezuelan Sign Language (LSV). The study was conducted from a discursive perspective using a qualitative methodology. The results pointed to three areas of interest. First, the performance of the interpreters. Here, the interpreters, even when perceiving their work as satisfactory, must work constantly in refining their abilities, become familiar with the LSV structures, and adopt intercultural attitudes. Second, the influence of basic western interaction structures in a classroom with hearing impaired students. And third, the interference produced by the interpreter when assuming the role of the teacher.

Palavras-chave : classroom verbal interaction; sign language interpreters; sign language; Venezuelan sign language.