Where can I find a sign for “photon”? Introducing Tachyo, a new aggregated STEM sign language resource
Streaming Media
Location
Gallaudet University - JSAC Multipurpose Room
Start Date
3-3-2024 10:30 AM
End Date
3-3-2024 11:00 AM
Description
STEM sign language lexicons and similar resources are critical tools for disseminating and standardizing STEM signs. Sign language communities around the world have benefited greatly from a dramatic increase in the number of such lexicons in recent years. However, this increase has resulted in a fragmented resource landscape in which users are often required to navigate multiple sign databases. This navigational burden works against the information-sharing mission of these tools and disadvantages new users unfamiliar with available resources. To address this challenge, we introduce Tachyo, a new tool that aggregates STEM sign language lexicons into a single, searchable database. Tachyo utilizes WordNet principles to organize signs semantically and leverages ASLNet, a wordnet for American Sign Language, for initial development. By allowing users to search for signs based on meaning, Tachyo is well-suited to handle the nuances of technical language. In this talk, we will discuss the design principles underpinning Tachyo and share our vision for Tachyo as a cooperative community resource with future expansions incorporating sign languages from around the world. We believe Tachyo will benefit individuals and lexicons alike by improving the visibility, dissemination, and standardization of STEM lexicons and content in sign language.
Recommended Citation
Wooten, Alicia; Lualdi, Colin; and Spiecker, Barbara, "Where can I find a sign for “photon”? Introducing Tachyo, a new aggregated STEM sign language resource" (2024). Global Year of STEM Sign Language. 5.
https://ida.gallaudet.edu/global_STEM_signlanguage/STEM_signlanguagesummit/day_2/5
Where can I find a sign for “photon”? Introducing Tachyo, a new aggregated STEM sign language resource
Gallaudet University - JSAC Multipurpose Room
STEM sign language lexicons and similar resources are critical tools for disseminating and standardizing STEM signs. Sign language communities around the world have benefited greatly from a dramatic increase in the number of such lexicons in recent years. However, this increase has resulted in a fragmented resource landscape in which users are often required to navigate multiple sign databases. This navigational burden works against the information-sharing mission of these tools and disadvantages new users unfamiliar with available resources. To address this challenge, we introduce Tachyo, a new tool that aggregates STEM sign language lexicons into a single, searchable database. Tachyo utilizes WordNet principles to organize signs semantically and leverages ASLNet, a wordnet for American Sign Language, for initial development. By allowing users to search for signs based on meaning, Tachyo is well-suited to handle the nuances of technical language. In this talk, we will discuss the design principles underpinning Tachyo and share our vision for Tachyo as a cooperative community resource with future expansions incorporating sign languages from around the world. We believe Tachyo will benefit individuals and lexicons alike by improving the visibility, dissemination, and standardization of STEM lexicons and content in sign language.