Sign language computer interpreting
For users of Auslan, Australian sign language, English can be considered a second language, therefore people may be more comfortable communicating in sign language, rather than utilising written English. Sign language computer interpreting uses software developed to translate spoken English, via speech recognition, into sign language. Sign language is then displayed on a computer screen using the 3D graphic of a human being. The computer software is not seen as a replacement to a sign language interpreter. It can be used when an interpreter is not available at the place where the interpreting is required.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Computer software interpreting allows interpreting to occur when a sign language interpreter is unavailable or when it may be considered impractical to obtain a sign language interpreter, especially for short term communication.
Computer software interpreting can benefit in the workplace through:
- interpreting of meetings and presentations
- interpreting telephone conversations.
For more information on interpreting, captioning and reading services, please see the link below:
References
Adams-Spink, G. 2007, Technique links words to signing, BBC News, United Kingdom, viewed 2 December 2011, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6993326.stm.
McLaughlin, L. 2011, Now see this: software translates English into ASL, IEEE Computer Society, California, viewed 2 December 2011, http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=1265876.