O Professor William Nichols made history by becoming the first deaf researcher to obtain a doctorate from the Faculty of Education at the State University of Campinas (FE-Unicamp). His thesis “Beyond deaf literature: minor signage as a creative power in the use of Brazilian Sign Language”, guided by Prof. Dr. Lilian Cristine Ribeiro Nascimento, member from the Language in Difference Research Group (GP-LnD/CNPq) and co-supervised by Prof. Dr. Vanessa Martins, from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), promotes an essential debate about Deaf Literature and its relevance for education.
Based on the Philosophy of Difference by philosophers Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, Nichols conducted a cartographic analysis of the actions of the “minor language” in Deaf Literature as an act of creation. The study focused on three poems produced by deaf authors, demonstrating the power of these productions in the formation of deaf identity and culture.
For Professor Lilian, the research advisor, Nichols’ thesis reinforces the need for an educational approach that values and includes deaf literature in the school curriculum. “More than tolerating differences, schools need to value sign language and include deaf literature content as an essential part of the education of deaf students,” says the professor.
Nichols emphasizes that his research can contribute to the ongoing training of professionals in deaf education in different aspects. “My thesis helps to value and legitimize the identity and culture of marginalized groups, offering students works that represent historically invisible voices, such as deaf, indigenous, Afro-Brazilian and immigrant literature,” explains the researcher.
The study also has a direct impact on the work of bilingual teachers and Libras educators. “It is necessary to mobilize innovative pedagogical practices, exploring methods such as performances, videos and visual narratives that value sign language,” Nichols points out. According to him, learning to record through video recording involves fundamental processes for the creative freedom of deaf students, promoting autonomy and reflection on their own experiences.
The importance of Nichols' work is also reflected in the openness of FE-Unicamp to welcome research conducted by deaf people. To date, five deaf students have completed their master's degrees at the institution, and one researcher, Patrícia Rezende, completed her postdoctoral internship under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Regina Maria de Souza.. Currently, the faculty has two deaf doctoral students and one deaf master's student, demonstrating progress in the inclusion of deaf researchers in academia.
For Nichols, the growing presence of deaf researchers in FE-Unicamp This is an important step towards ensuring that the needs and perspectives of this community are recognized and valued in the field of education. “Our voice needs to be heard. Deaf education must be designed based on the experiences of the deaf themselves, respecting their uniqueness and promoting their culture,” concludes the newly-qualified doctor.
Institutional Communication – FE/Unicamp
Written and interviewed by: Erika Blaudt
Proofreading: Giovanna Romaro
Images: Personal archive
