Sign Language Writing Acquisition -- Technology for a Writing System

Abstract

The Deaf use Sign Language for intellectual development, communication and other language dependent tasks, including the learning of the oral language in which they are immersed. However, Deaf children should no longer be expected to access academic learning using the oral language [1][4][6]. Rather they need to have access to a writing system in/for Sign Language. Writing systems (sequence of characters to represent a language) store and retrieve vital information for literature, science, knowledge creation, information dissemination, communication etc. SignWriting is a writing system deemed adequate to the spatial-visual nature of Sign Languages. However, the existing learning methodologies and computational technologies fail to help the Deaf (they lack usability, and/or are one-toone translation from the oral language etc.). This article proposes a new, more natural approach: that of using screen and stylus, in context. It also presents a framework with which to develop tools for written literacy in Sign Language.

Technologies for teaching DHI students using Libras: a systematic review

“…Reference Title [Oliveira et al 2015] A comparative study of the acceptability of signs for the Brazilian sign language created in person and remotely [Boscarioli et al 2012] Avaliação e design de interação de jogos voltados ao aprendizado de crianças surdas [Moura et al 2013] Luz, Câmera, Libras! : How a mobile game can improve the learning of sign languages [Guimarães et al 2014] Sign language writing acquisition -Technology for a writing system [Monteiro et al 2013] Using mediated communication to teach vocational concepts to deaf users [Dos Passos Canteri et al 2015] Video games in education of Deaf children: A set of pratical design guidelines Table 5 presents the references used to identify which papers were analyzed to answer the research questions in the next subsections.…”

“…Reference Discipline [Oliveira et al 2015] Java Programming [Boscarioli et al 2012] Portuguese, Libras and high school disciplines [Moura et al 2013] Libras [Guimarães et al 2014] Portuguese and Libras [Monteiro et al 2013] Libras [Dos Passos Canteri et al 2015] Libras and high school disciplines All seven technologies analyzed are interdisciplinary, highlighting that the Web Forum Tool can be used in various disciplines which require signs for terms that are not translated directly to Libras. For example, the term debug, that is used in computer programming courses and there is no direct translation for Libras.…”

“…Reference Approach [Oliveira et al 2015] Web Forum [Boscarioli et al 2012] Educational Game [Moura et al 2013] Educational Game [Guimarães et al 2014] SignWriting [Monteiro et al 2013] Dialogues Mediator [Dos Passos Canteri et al 2015] Educational Game…”

“…SignWriting facilitates communication and access to information, culture and social interactions [Guimarães et al 2014]. …”

“…possible, enabling DHI people to access new experiences, such as, education and culture [Sacks 1989, Guimarães et al 2014. However, the use of SL is a necessary but not sufficient condition for DHI students learning.…”