Artificial Intelligence for Sign Language
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, and one of them is communication with people who are hearing impaired. Sign language is a form of visual communication used by deaf people to express ideas, emotions, and thoughts. In this article, we will explore how artificial intelligence is being used to improve communication in sign language.
How many types of sign language are there?
Sign language is not universal, in fact, there are different types of sign language all over the world. Each country or region has its own sign language, which means that there is a diversity of visual communication systems used by deaf people.
According to Ethnologue, an encyclopedia that catalogues the 6,909 living languages existing in the world, at least 130 sign languages used by deaf communities have been identified. These languages vary in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and structure, just like the different languages spoken throughout the world.

In addition, Gallaudet University, a leading institution in deaf education, has found that there are at least 271 sign languages scattered around the world. This demonstrates the diversity and importance of sign languages in the communication of deaf people.
Who invented the sign system?
The sign system used by deaf people has existed for centuries, but the development of a formal sign language is attributed to several people throughout history.
In the 18th century, Abbé Charles-Michel de l'Épée, a French educator, is considered one of the pioneers in the education of deaf people and the development of a sign system. He created a visual communication system that was based on gestures and specific signs for each word.
Another important contributor was Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, an American educator who traveled to Europe in search of methods to educate deaf people. During his visit to l'Épée's school in France, Gallaudet learned the system of signing developed by l'Épée and brought it back to the United States, where he founded the first school for the deaf in America.
These are just two examples of the many people who have contributed to the development and evolution of the signing systems used by deaf people throughout the world.
Artificial Intelligence and Sign Language
Artificial intelligence has opened up new possibilities for improving communication in sign language. Through the combination of technologies such as image recognition and natural language processing, researchers are developing intelligent systems capable of interpreting and translating sign language in real time.
One of the most promising applications of artificial intelligence in sign language is the creation of virtual avatars that can automatically translate signs into text or voice. These avatars use machine learning algorithms to identify and understand hand gestures and movements, and then translate them into words or phrases understandable to people who do not know sign language.
Another interesting application is the use of smart gloves equipped with sensors that capture hand movements and convert them into signs recognizable by the artificial intelligence system. These gloves allow deaf people to communicate more easily, as they can express themselves in their own language and be understood by those who do not know sign language.
Furthermore, artificial intelligence is also being used to improve the accessibility of online services for deaf people. Voice recognition systems, combined with artificial intelligence algorithms, can automatically convert speech into text, allowing deaf people to read and understand information provided in videos or online lectures.
How does artificial intelligence in sign language work?
Artificial intelligence in sign language uses machine learning algorithms to recognize and understand hand gestures and movements. These algorithms are trained on large amounts of sign data, allowing them to identify and translate signs into understandable words or phrases.
What benefits does artificial intelligence in sign language offer?
Artificial intelligence in sign language offers several benefits, such as increased accessibility for deaf people, more fluid and accurate communication, and greater social inclusion. These technologies are helping to break down communication barriers and improve the quality of life for deaf people.
Artificial intelligence is playing a crucial role in improving sign language communication. Through the combination of advanced technologies such as image recognition and natural language processing, intelligent systems capable of interpreting and translating sign language in real time are being developed. This is opening up new possibilities for deaf people, providing them with a more accessible and effective way to communicate with the environment around them.
Communication "without barriers"
This application will "break down barriers" for people with hearing disabilities, who are often "one of the great forgotten ones in this society."