Sign Language Processing: From Gesture to Meaning

In a world where communication is key to human connection, understanding, and learning from one another, the book investigates the rich and intricate world of sign languages, highlighting the fascinating complexities of visual-spatial languages and their unique role in bridging the gap between hearing and deaf communities through information and communication technology.

The book takes a journey through the evolution of sign language processing tools while exploring the cutting-edge techniques used to decipher, analyze, and process them, from the fundamentals of sign language structure and the nuances of non-manual signals to the latest developments in computational linguistics (corpora design, annotation tools, and notation systems), sign language recognition, and machine/deep learning applications.

With a mission to reveal the silent language of expression, the author provides a captivating and thought-provoking look into a world often overlooked yet teeming with life and meaning. Offering a comprehensive and engaging overview of the current state of sign language research as well as its prospects, this monograph is an introduction resource for computer scientists, linguistics, educators, academics and sign language interpreters alike.

This monograph is an invitation to discover the incredible potential of sign languages to transform human communication, promote inclusivity, and shape the future of technology. The readers will gain a deeper appreciation of the beauty and complexity of sign languages through technology, and they will be inspired to embrace the power of visual communication in our increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

Dr. Achraf Othman is a research and expert for sign language processing since 2007. He received his Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Sfax, Tunisia. He has been an Assistant Professor of Computer Science in two universities since 2010 and has also affiliated as a researcher at the Research Laboratory LaTICE at the University of Tunis. Dr. Othman currently serves as the Head of Innovation and Research Section at Mada Center in Doha, Qatar, where he works on complex IT industry challenges related to assistive technology and digital accessibility, building capabilities, and training, and conducting research on innovative projects that use cutting-edge technologies, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence to empower persons with disabilities.