Importance of the affective filter in the acquisition of Mexican Sign Language

Abstract

The present study seeks to analyze the process of acquiring Mexican sign language in its dimension of the affective filter, through the experience of users who appropriated the language and currently use it; Their training in courses, classes and curricula is detailed in their own stories that recall their acquisition process. Through a qualitative approach based on the Case Study and within the interpretive paradigm, interviews were conducted that capture the narratives of the participants, who detail their learning trajectories. The role of the affective filter in the acquisition process, which has an implicit target language (TL) encompassed in what is a second language (L2) or foreign language (FL), is explored from the vision and experience of the research team, with an interpretation of the experiences which give life to the object of study. The findings refer that sign language, when acquired, is determined by a low affective filter in an environment that generates security and fluidity. By considering the foundations of the acquisition process, a new notion of understanding how the appropriation of target languages takes place is generated.