Examining TILS Practice through a Decolonial Lens: Tensions Between European Perspectivism and Brazilian/Latin American Realities

Abstract

This article offers a critical examination of the role of Sign Language Translators and Interpreters (TILS) in Brazil and Latin America, grounded in decolonial theory. It problematizes how Eurocentric Western perspectivism has institutionalized norms of 'civility' and 'knowledge' that marginalize Global South epistemologies, leading to phenomena such as audism and epistemicide. Based on a literature review of studies published between 2021 and 2025, this work analyzes how the coloniality of linguistic power continues to shape Deaf Education by enforcing oralcy as the standard and subordinating Libras. The study highlights instances of decolonial resistance, including the de-Russification of sign language in Ukraine and 'de-Portuguese-ification' movements within Libras in Brazil, both of which assert the autonomy of Deaf communities. Ultimately, the article argues for decentralizing hearing-centric models in favor of recognizing Deaf individuals as epistemic subjects, while centering their identities, cultures, and intersectionalities. It concludes that decoloniality within the field of translation and interpreting constitutes a political act of 're-existence,' challenging universalist paradigms and advancing the linguistic and cultural empowerment of Deaf people.