Published on Sep 6, 2004

Soon people with hearing disabilities will not be limited to using sign language to communicate only in their own community. They will be able to communicate with other people with similar disabilities nationwide.

In Thailand there are different sign-language systems used in various communities, which sometimes causes difficulties when it comes to communicating across regions.

Aware of that problem, a group of local developers has developed what they call Thai-3D Sign Language Dictionary software.

The software will create a database of sign languages from various communities, and allow sign-language teachers to teach from a shared system. In the meantime, they can add new sign-language expressions to the database.

Developer Narathip Tiangtae said that the software is now 50 per cent complete, incorporating more than 700 sign-language words.

He said that students who want to study sign language just enter the word they want to learn and the software will offer one or more sign-language pictures and finger spellings on the screen.

“We hope the software will come into practical use next year,” Narathip said.

Jirapan Boonnoon

The Nation