ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Machine translation of sign languages

Machine translation of sign languages is a technology that helps people who use sign language communicate with those who don't. It works like magic where you sign in your language, and a device like a computer or a tablet translates it into a written language or spoken language for others to understand.

Imagine that you are communicating with a person who speaks another language, and you don't know how to speak it. This technology works like a translator where it helps those people understand each other by converting the signs into words written or spoken in their language.

To make this happen, the computer first needs to understand the signs you are making. It does this by using sensors to detect the movement of your hands, arms, and body language. Once the computer recognizes what you are saying, it uses an algorithm, which is like a fancy word for a set of rules, to convert your signs into words.

Next, the computer relays these words in spoken or written form to the person who is trying to communicate with you. They can read or hear what you are saying and then respond by typing or speaking back. The computer then takes that response and transforming it back into sign language, so you can understand them.

In simple terms, machine translation of sign languages uses technology that enables people who use sign languages to communicate with those who can't understand sign language, and this makes it easier for everyone to understand each other.