SPECIAL ISSUE: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS DEAF STUDIES AND MULTILINGUALISM IN SIGN LANGUAGES
ABSTRACT
This issue gathers studies and research produced in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), Venezuelan Sign Language (LSV), American Sign Language (ASL), International Sign (IS), and other sign languages that contribute to the field of Deaf Studies and to the understanding of the different linguistic, grammatical, educational, social, and policy dimensions related to deaf communities and sign languages. We welcome research that addresses, among other topics, Deaf studies; sign language studies; processes of contact, interaction, and circulation between sign languages and spoken languages; multilingualism and the linguistic practices of Deaf communities; language and educational policies; linguistic rights; grammatical studies; bilingual education for the deaf; studies of sign language translation and interpretation; and the relations between languages, identities, territories, and deaf communities. This issue prioritizes research focusing on a specific sign language, the communities that utilize it, or the educational, linguistic, and policy processes directly related to the experiences of Deaf people. The aim is thus to bring together different theoretical and methodological perspectives that contribute to broadening our understanding of the linguistic and sociocultural diversity of Deaf communities and of the challenges and possibilities of language and educational policies in multilingual contexts.
RULES FOR SUBMITTING VIDEO-ARTICLES IN SIGN LANGUAGES
In accordance with the guidelines of the journal Njinga & Sepé – Section VI: Sign Languages – the journal accepts submissions in various sign languages. Submissions must be in the form of a video article, accompanied by a title, a written abstract, and keywords. The video article must present the complete academic content of the work in a sign language, following the standard structure of a scientific article. Book reviews, poetry, song interpretations, storytelling, traditional food recipes, and interviews are also welcome.
The proposed presentation should systematically cover the main elements of a scientific article, including: the title of the paper; the introduction (presenting the topic, problem, and/or objectives); the main body (covering the theoretical framework, methodology, and data analysis and discussion, depending on the nature of the research); conclusions or final remarks; and references, in accordance with ABNT standards. The organization of the content may be adapted according to the theoretical, methodological, and linguistic characteristics of each paper.
The video must be submitted in AVI, WMV, or MP4 format; be between 10 and 15 minutes long; have good image quality; and clearly show the signers throughout the entire presentation.
It is recommended that the author remain centered in the frame so that their body and especially their hands, face, and facial expressions are always visible. It is important to pay attention to lighting conditions; the environment should be sufficiently lit to prevent the video from appearing too dark or hindering the understanding of the signs. The use of slides in the presentation is optional.
The visual composition of the video is flexible, as long as it does not hinder the understanding of the signs. Creators may choose the solid background for the video, the filming location, the composition of the setting, and the color of their plain T-shirt (e.g., black). It is recommended, however, that priority be given to a background, lighting, and T-shirt that provide adequate contrast, making it easier to see the hands, body, and non-manual expressions.
Important: Videos with poor lighting or resolution will not be forwarded to the peer review stage.
ABSTRACT AND KEYWORDS
The video article must be accompanied by an abstract written in Portuguese, Spanish, French, or English; it may also optionally include an abstract in an indigenous language or in a sign language writing system. Each abstract should be 200 to 300 words long and include 3 to 5 keywords. Abstracts should concisely present the research topic and context, the objective, the methodology (when applicable), the main results or contributions, and the concluding remarks.
Written manuscripts and video articles in sign language should be sent to the general email address for the Njinga & Sepé journal: revista.njinga.sape@unilab.edu.br General submission guidelines and other editorial information are available on the journal’s “Submissions” tab: Submissions Tab - Nijina & Sepé Journal
Submission deadline: December 20, 2026.
Expected publication date: february 2027.
ORGANIZADORES/COMPILADORES/ORGANIZERS
Thaisy Bentes (UFOPA), Augusto Carlos de Azerêdo (UFRR) e Darlene Seabra de Lira (UFAL)
