Words in Vision : A Filipino Sign Language Thesaurus Management System Using Ren-py

Abstract

The development of technology has been continuously and constantly growing all over the world, most of which have focused on the improvement of communication. Communication is known to many as a way of expression either through words or actions. These words and actions vary in different places and cultures around the globe, but they usually have unique features to distinguish one from the other. However, communication, though it may seem a general feature in society, still has different types: verbal, nonverbal, written and visual. The most common communication type that the majority of the population of the world use in their everyday lives is through a combination of verbal communication, that is to be auditory and is oftentimes conveyed through the use of languages uttered by the voice, and nonverbal communication which is delivered through the use of gestures and body language. There are several more mixtures of these communication types that people may use, while on the other hand there are groups of people who are not able to use more than two of these types. A popular communication channel built solely on gestures is known to many as sign language. It is the kind of language that is directly associated with people who are deaf and mute. Findings published in the world health statistics 2015 by the World Health Organization state that as of 2015 about 5%, approximately 70 million, of the world’s population being deaf and mute only a fraction from this number know how to communicate well using correct sign language. Sign language is a universal type of communication that grants mute and deaf people to state the exercitation of their intellect. This communication not only limits to people who are differently abled but also to people who can use verbal communication but choose also to learn sign language to understand and communicate with people who are deaf and mute. The history of sign language traces back to the 17th century when Juan Pablo Bonnet created the first sign language dictionary that also contained the first sign language alphabet. This led to the creation of sign language schools and the development of different kinds of sign languages around the globe. The most popular form of sign language is the ASL, American Sign Language, which emerged from the creation of different schools for the deaf in Europe and opened the first of its kind in the United States of America in the early 19th century. At present, there are more than 200 types of sign language around the world. The development is as natural and continuous as spoken language, which progresses through interaction. The technological advancement of communication at present does not give too much attention to this nonverbal form of communication. There are still some countries who are just placed in the position to choose from the current list of sign language types rather than creating their own type of sign language that should represent their own culture and language. The lack of resources in some countries hinder them from creating their own sign language and from being educated more about it. The lack of education affects the deficiency of its technological progressions. The Philippines is an example of a country that is still at the starting point of the FSL or Filipino Sign Language which originated from and mostly adapted the ASL. The development of the FSL paired with technology may significantly contribute to the knowledge, information and learning of this group in society. The implication of this study is to develop a content management system that desires to shell out facilitation to mute and deaf people in the Philippines. This study will connect and project the importance of technological development of communication for those who are deaf and mute. The use of Ren-py, a visual novel engine, will be the platform to create a Filipino Sign Language thesaurus that can be accessible to its users through different computer devices. Ren-py is a widely used platform that enables its users to easily alter script languages to create certain programs that are very user-friendly. This method is intended to gratify convenience to the congenital defects of the said group of people. Its design targets to recognize the cornerstone of having a more straightforward and more manageable application. The ease of access paired with learning may hopefully lead to a greater advancement for the education of the deaf and mute. The click of a button may introduce them to better communication with each other.