Assessment of the Treatment of Grammatical Aspects of Machine Translators to Libras

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luana Silva Reis ◽  
Tiago Maritan U. De Araújo ◽  
Yuska Paola Costa Aguiar ◽  
Manuella Aschoff C.B. Lima ◽  
Angelina S. da Silva Sales
Keyword(s):  
Sign Language ◽  
Machine Translation ◽  
Machine Tools ◽  
Brazilian Portuguese ◽  
Deaf People ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Sign Languages ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Brazilian Sign Language ◽  
Significant Weakness

Currently, a set of technologies has been developed with the aim of reducing barriers to access to information for deaf people, such as machine tools for sign languages. However, these technologies have some limitations related to the difficult of handling some specific grammatical aspects of the sign languages, which can make the translations less fluent, and influence the deaf users experience. To address this problem, this study analyzes the machine translation of contents from Brazilian Portuguese (Pt-br) into Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) performed by three machine translators: ProDeaf, HandTalk and VLibras. More specifically, we performed an experiment with some Brazilian human interpreters that evaluate the treatment of some specific grammatical aspects in these three applications. As a result, we observed a significant weakness in the evaluation regarding the adequacy treatment of homonymous words, denial adverbs and directional verbs in the translations performed by the applications, which indicates the need for these tools to improve in the treatment of these grammatical aspects.

A machine translation mechanism of Brazilian Portuguese to Libras with syntactic-semantic adequacy

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Manuella Aschoff C. B. Lima ◽  
Tiago Maritan U. de Araújo ◽  
Rostand E. O. Costa ◽  
Erickson S. Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Machine Translation ◽  
Brazilian Portuguese ◽  
Deaf People ◽  
Sign Languages ◽  
Automatic Translation ◽  
Visual Spatial ◽  
Semantic Translation ◽  
Translation Component ◽  
Translation Mechanism ◽  
Brazilian Sign Language

Abstract Deaf people communicate naturally using visual-spatial languages, called sign languages (SL). Although SLs are recognized as a language in many countries, the problems faced by Deaf people for accessing information remain. As a result, they have difficulties exercising their citizenship and access information in SLs, which usually leads to linguistic and knowledge acquisition delays. Some scientific works have been developed to address these problems related to the machine translation of spoken languages to sign languages. However, the existing machine translation platforms have some limitations, especially in syntactic and lexical nature. Thus, this work aims to develop a mechanism for machine translation to Libras, the Brazilian Sign Language, with syntactic-semantic adequacy. It consists of an automatic translation component for Libras based on syntactic-semantic translation rules and a formal syntactic-semantic rule description language. As proof of concept of the proposed approach, we created a specific grammar for Libras translation exploring these aspects and integrating these elements into VLibras Suite, a service for machine translation of digital content in Brazilian Portuguese (BP) to Libras. We performed several tests using this modified version of VLibras to measure the level of comprehension of the output generated by the new translator mechanism. In the computational experiments, as well as in the actual tests with Deaf and hearing users, the proposed approach was able to improve the results of the current VLibras version.

scholarly journals INFORMAÇÃO PARA E PELOS SURDOS: SOBRE TRANSMISSÃO AUDIOVISUAL EM LIBRAS E DESENVOLVIMENTO DA CRITICIDADE

polemica ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-36
Author(s):  
Jaciara Sá Carvalho ◽  
Rita de Cássia Martins da Costa Brito
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sign Language ◽  
Critical Consciousness ◽  
Deaf People ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
World Knowledge ◽  
Sign Language Interpreters ◽  
Transmission Of Information ◽  
The World ◽  
Brazilian Sign Language

Resumo: Cerca de 5% da população brasileira possui algum grau de perda de audição (IBGE, 2010). São dez milhões de brasileiros com dificuldades de acesso às informações sobre as realidades de seu país e do mundo, ao conhecimento sistematizado pelas ciências etc. Alguns programas audiovisuais recorrem a legendas em Português e/ou intérpretes da Língua Brasileira de Sinais – Libras, atuando nas chamadas “janelinhas”, sendo exceção os produzidos por profissionais surdos e apresentados por eles em primeiro plano na tela. Sob tal contexto de discussão, e partindo da premissa da formação humana ao longo da vida, este artigo apresenta uma problematização acerca das diferenças entre a transmissão de informações por surdos e por intérpretes a partir de pesquisa bibliográfica. O trabalho sugere que uma informação transmitida de surdo para surdo, em audiovisuais, estaria mais próxima ao conteúdo original da mensagem e ao universo linguístico e cultural das comunidades Surdas. Também expõe uma reflexão sobre a necessidade de ampliação do repertório informacional para o desenvolvimento (permanente) da consciência crítica (FREIRE, 1979) pelos surdos que anseiam “ser mais”.Palavras-chave: Surdez. Libras. Acesso à informação. Abstract: About 5% of the Brazilian population has some degree of hearing loss (IBGE, 2010). There are ten million Brazilians who have difficulty accessing information about the realities of their country and of the world, knowledge drawn up by the sciences, etc. Some audiovisual programs use Portuguese subtitles and/or Brazilian Sign Language interpreters (Libras) acting in their little "windows" as they are called, with the exception of those produced by deaf professionals and presented to them in the foreground of the screen. Under this context of discussion, and based on the premise of human lifelong training, this article presents an examination of the differences between the transmission of information by deaf people and by interpreters, based on bibliographic research. The paper points out that information transmitted from deaf to deaf in audiovisuals would be closer to the original content of the message, and to the linguistic and cultural universe of the deaf community. It also presents a reflection on the need to expand the informational repertoire for the (permanent) development of critical consciousness (FREIRE, 1979) by deaf people who yearn to "be more."Keywords: Deafness. Libras. Access to information.

Identifying Intensification Processes in Brazilian Sign Language in the Framework of Brazilian Portuguese Machine Translation

2018 ◽  
pp. 201-210
Author(s):  
Francisco Aulísio dos S. Paiva ◽  
José Mario De Martino ◽  
Plínio A. Barbosa ◽  
Pablo P. F. Faria ◽  
Ivani R. Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sign Language ◽  
Machine Translation ◽  
Brazilian Portuguese ◽  
Brazilian Sign Language

scholarly journals Deaf Ni-Vanuatu and their signs: A sociolinguistic study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jacqueline Iseli
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Sign Language ◽  
Deaf People ◽  
Deaf Community ◽  
Sign Languages ◽  
Individual Variations ◽  
Field Methodology ◽  
Degree Of Similarity ◽  
Similarity Of Signs

<p>This thesis provides the first documentation and description of the signs created and used by deaf individuals in Vanuatu. The specific aims of this research were as follows: to establish the sociolinguistic context experienced by deaf people in Vanuatu; to identify the repertoire and characteristics of signs used by the deaf participants; to compare features of participants’ individual signs with the characteristics of home signs and emerging sign languages; and to consider the degree of similarity and potential similarity of signs between participants and how this reflects individuals’ opportunities for contact with other deaf people and signing interlocutors. The limitations of this study are that field methodology for data collection was developed in situ as conditions allowed. The sociolinguistic context for deaf Ni-Vanuatu confirms that language isolation leads to marginalisation from community and society. The study established that these home sign lexicons were limited in quantity and conceptual range, and that shared background knowledge was essential for comprehension. Overall, 22 handshapes were documented, and the predominant handshapes unmarked. Most participants preferred handling strategy for depicting signs. Some evidence of noun-verb distinction was noted in the repertoire of some participants. However, across this range of formational characteristics, results showed significant individual variations. Furthermore, multiple barriers have precluded development of a shared sign language and any form of deaf community.</p>

scholarly journals Identificação das Funcionalidades de um Assistente de Comunicação aos Surdos Aplicando Técnicas de Elicitação de Requisitos

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Araújo Belém ◽  
Gabriela Fidelis de Oliveira ◽  
Luiz Sousa da Silveira ◽  
Priscila Silva Fernandes ◽  
Vitor Bremgartner da Frota ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sign Language ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
High Fidelity ◽  
Deaf People ◽  
Brazilian Sign Language ◽  
Simultaneous Translation

Deaf people have difficulty communicating due to the lack of masteryof Libras (Brazilian sign language for deaf citizens). New systemshave emerged to support the communication of people withhearing disabilities with regard to: simultaneous translation, teachingof Libras and presentation of animations. However, these systemsdo not have ready-made phrases or support for emergencysituations. Considering this scenario, this article presents the proposalof the Communication Assistant to the Deaf (AComS), whichaims to support the communication of people with hearing loss,complementing the features already presented by existing systemssuch as VLibras, HandTalk and MIDOAA. After the application ofrequirements gathering techniques such as document analysis andbenchmarking, a high-fidelity prototype of the system was proposed,which presents the various features of AComS in its mobileversion.

scholarly journals Experimentação na educação química: elaboração de sinais em libras para práticas de laboratório

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Geilson Rodrigues Da Silva ◽  
Talina Meirely Nery Dos Santos ◽  
Griscele Souza De Jesus ◽  
Lucas Pereira Gandra
Keyword(s):  
General Chemistry ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Bilingual Education ◽  
Sign Language ◽  
Chemistry Laboratory ◽  
Deaf People ◽  
Scientific Concepts ◽  
Deaf Students ◽  
Brazilian Sign Language

Resumo: A Química é uma Ciência com poucos sinais específicos em Língua Brasileira de Sinais para o ensino de pessoas com surdez. Essa barreira de linguagem pode ocasionar obstáculos de aprendizagem aos estudantes surdos. Sendo assim, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivos catalogar verbetes e criar sinais para a utilização em aulas práticas de Química. Para coleta de dados foram levantados os termos na literatura no dicionário ilustrado trilíngue que possuíssem relações com a disciplina de Química, ao qual foram categorizados a partir da Análise de Conteúdo, em função do seu emprego e utilização. Realizou-se a análise quantitativa dos termos mais presentes em roteiros de aulas experimentais, usadas na disciplina de Química Geral e Experimental Ida Licenciatura em Química do IFMS campus Coxim. Sendo elaborados quatro sinais de instrumentos do laboratório de Química que apresentam potencial para serem utilizados em práticas bilíngues, no ensino superior e médio.Palavras-chave: Educação Bilíngue; Formação de Conceitos Científicos; Práticas Experimentais. Experimentation in chemical education: elaboration signals in libras for laboratory practicesAbstract: Chemistry is a Science with few specific signs in Brazilian Sign Language for teaching deaf people. This language barrier can lead to learning obstacles for deaf students. Thus, the present research had as objectives to catalog entries and to create signals for the use in practical classes of Chemistry. In order to collect data, the terms in the literature in the trilingual illustrated dictionary that had relations with the discipline of Chemistry were categorized from the Content Analysis, according to their use and use. A quantitative analysis of the most present terms was carried out in experimental classes, used in the General Chemistry and Experimental I subject of the Chemistry Degree of the IFMS campus Coxim. Four signs of chemistry laboratory instruments are being developed, which have the potential to be used in bilingual practices in higher and secondary education.Keywords: Bilingual Education; Formation of Scientific Concepts; Experimental Practices. 

Barriers to Access in the Norwegian Criminal Justice System

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Kermit ◽  
Terje Olsen
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Sign Language ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Mutual Recognition ◽  
Deaf People ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Interpreter Service ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Demand Changes

This chapter presents and discusses barriers that Deaf people who have Norwegian Sign Language as their first language face in encounters with the Norwegian criminal justice system. Since this system is based exclusively on spoken language, and mainly depends on the individual law professional’s ability to establish critical, self-reflective practices in each case, Deaf people’s legal safety, as demanded by the rule of law, cannot be taken for granted. Establishing a public, independent, professionalized sign language interpreter service in Norway, however, has helped to reduce risks for Deaf people. Independent interpreters can demand changes in the criminal justice system’s practices, thus making these practices more accessible to Deaf people. Empirical examples illustrating the interaction between Deaf people, law professionals, and interpreters are presented and analyzed. This interaction is less characterized by conflict and more by cooperation and mutual recognition, where both Deaf people and law professionals state their confidence and trust in their interpreters. The chapter concludes that structural change and organization, such as the establishment of an independent public interpreter service in Norway, trump general and well-meant inclusive intentions in organizations such as the Norwegian criminal justice system when it comes to secure Deaf peoples’ rights and the prevention of miscarriage of justice.

Sign languages to unfold the Universe

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Varano
Keyword(s):  
Sign Language ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Deaf People ◽  
Single Word ◽  
Natural Languages ◽  
Sign Languages ◽  
Italian Language ◽  
Main Medium ◽  
The Universe

&lt;p&gt;Sign languages &amp;#8203;&amp;#8203;arise from the need of communities of deaf people to communicate with each other and with others. Like all natural languages, they are tied to the traditions and cultures of the communities that invented and developed them. The sign language used in Italy is the Italian Sign Language, LIS.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The strong iconicity of LIS is very interesting from the point of view of communication and didactics of astronomy, also for the hearing impaired. The signs used for astronomical concepts and objects often express the meaning and nature of what is represented, much more than a single word in the Italian language does.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;LIS is therefore effective not only for inclusive communication aimed at deaf people, but it can be effective for everyone, both in terms of equity and awareness of diversity and in terms of knowledge of astronomy and its link with culture and tradition.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;We will present a set of videos published on EduINAF, the outreach and education online magazine of the Italian National Isntitute for Astrophysics, in which the LIS is the main medium of the storytelling. Each video has subtitles, in order to make the LIS understandable for all.&lt;/p&gt;

Multimedia Dictionary and Synthesis of Sign Language

2011 ◽  
pp. 268-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franc Solina ◽  
Slavko Krapez ◽  
Ales Jaklic ◽  
Vito Komac
Keyword(s):  
American Sign Language ◽  
Sign Language ◽  
The United States ◽  
Written Language ◽  
Deaf Children ◽  
Deaf People ◽  
Sign Languages ◽  
Proper Nouns ◽  
Basic Meaning ◽  
The World

Deaf people, as a marginal community, may have severe problems in communicating with hearing people. Usually, they have a lot of problems even with such—for hearing people—simple tasks as understanding the written language. However, deaf people are very skilled in using a sign language, which is their native language. A sign language is a set of signs or hand gestures. A gesture in a sign language equals a word in a written language. Similarly, a sentence in a written language equals a sequence of gestures in a sign language. In the distant past deaf people were discriminated and believed to be incapable of learning and thinking independently. Only after the year 1500 were the first attempts made to educate deaf children. An important breakthrough was the realization that hearing is not a prerequisite for understanding ideas. One of the most important early educators of the deaf and the first promoter of sign language was Charles Michel De L’Epée (1712-1789) in France. He founded the fist public school for deaf people. His teachings about sign language quickly spread all over the world. Like spoken languages, different sign languages and dialects evolved around the world. According to the National Association of the Deaf, the American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most frequently used language in the United States, after English and Spanish. ASL has more than 4,400 distinct signs. The Slovenian sign language (SSL), which is used in Slovenia and also serves as a case study sign language in this chapter, contains approximately 4,000 different gestures for common words. Signs require one or both hands for signing. Facial expressions which accompany signing are also important since they can modify the basic meaning of a hand gesture. To communicate proper nouns and obscure words, sign languages employ finger spelling. Since the majority of signing is with full words, signed conversation can proceed with the same pace as spoken conversation.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Teaching-Learning Process of Brazilian Sign Language as a Second Language in Higher Education

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 99
Author(s):  
Roberto Cesar Reis da Costa
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Sign Language ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Pedagogical Issues ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Sign Languages ◽  
Brazilian Sign Language ◽  
Teaching Learning

The focus of this paper is to propose an evaluation tool to assess the teaching-learning process of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) to hearing students in Higher Education. The current Brazilian laws dealing with the accessibility of the deaf and the teaching of Libras will be concisely posited and argued, and after that an overview on linguistic aspects of Libras will be highlighted prior to discussing the teaching of this language as a Second Language (L2). Also, it will be discussed briefly the relevance of using strategies to Libras teaching as L2 and then the proposal to evaluate teaching and learning processes of the language at stake will be finally described. As a conclusion, developing tools as well as presenting proposals for the teaching of sign languages might be ways to highlight and discuss pedagogical issues about the teaching of the sign languages. The paper outcomes are useful for scholars and learners who are researching and implementing tools for Libras teaching as L2.

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