Subscribe now

Technology

AI can turn text into sign language – but it’s often unintelligible

Researchers have developed an AI model that can translate text into sign language, but experts in Deaf culture and sign language say the translations range from semi-comprehensible to “really unintelligible”

By Jeremy Hsu

25 June 2024

AI-generated avatars that appeared to translate English text to American Sign Language

https://signllm.github.io/#demo

Artificial intelligence has been used to make avatars that appear capable of translating text into sign language. But one of the researchers behind the demonstration videos says they are being overhyped – and experts in Deaf culture and sign language describe the AI translations as often incomprehensible.

“We are very much in the experimental and research stages where AI is being tested,” says Melissa Malzkuhn at Gallaudet University, a university for deaf and hard of hearing students in Washington DC, who wasn’t involved in the…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account