Deaf lives/ Vidas surdas: Role Playing Game (RPG) digital como perspectiva de letramento bilíngue para estudantes surdos

Abstract

This dissertation, entitled “Deaf Lives/Vidas Surdas: Digital Role-Playing Game (RPG) as a Perspective of Bilingual Literacy for Deaf Students,” investigates the potential of the digital game as a pedagogical tool aimed at the bilingual literacy of Deaf students, considering Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) as the first language and written Portuguese as the second. The research is grounded in the theory of Meaningful Learning (Ausubel) and Cognitive Analysis (Burnham), articulating education, technology, and pedagogical practices that value visual culture and the linguistic specificities of the Deaf community. Using a qualitative and participatory approach, formative workshops were conducted in the format of culture circles with a class from the Specialized Educational Assistance (AEE) at the Association of Parents and Friends of the Hearing Impaired of Bahia (APADA-BA). The results indicate that the Deaf Lives/Vidas Surdas game significantly contributed to strengthening linguistic skills in Libras and written Portuguese, expanding visual repertoires, and promoting meaningful bilingual learning practices. Furthermore, the research highlights the urgent need for effective language policies, qualified teacher training, and the development of bilingual educational materials to ensure the right to bilingual education, accessibility, and the cultural and linguistic recognition of the Deaf community.