A group of students, cooperating with the IBM during the 12 weeks of camping (a program initiated by the University of East Angela, UK) were able to invent new software converting the spoken and written language into the sign language. The system called “SISI” ( Say it sign it ) will be a great help to the deaf and dumb people worldwide. The program is directed by the “Digital Person” translating the spoken or written words into the universal sign language

According to the IBM spokesman the new software will immediately solve the long-standing problem of lack of interpreters in various events.

Apart from this, the new program will be used for the automatic translation of the TV and Radio programs, as well as for the translation of incoming telephone calls.

The new technological achievement has got the approval from “The Royal Institute for the Deaf in Britain”. Gedo Gebelz, Director of the Institute for New techniques stated that: "our Institute welcomes any new technical discovery which helps the deaf to benefit from the informational technology”.

Finally it’s interesting to mention that although the program functions only in English now, according to one of the participants of the project, it will be possible to add several other languages to the translation list.

References :

http://www.linuxelectrons.com/news/general/11924/new-software-can-sign-spoken-word-digital-avatar http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20070913-14322700-bc-britain-sisi.xml