Compilation of a Sign Language Database for Use in Medical Practice

Abstract

This paper reports on a study into the establishment of a medical sign language database. When visiting a medical institution, hearing-impaired patients are sometimes accompanied by a sign language interpreter. The interpreter's job is to correctly interpret the doctors' explanations. However, a problem arises in that medical sign language varies considerably in style from one region to another and has not been standardized. We compiled a list of medical sign language with an emphasis on standardization of meanings and movements. For compiling the sign language terms, we consulted medical professionals, sign language interpreters and native signers. We tried to ensure that the resulting medical sign language include common expressions that can be easily understood by non-professionals. We also produced sign language instructions for medical terms that are hard to understand based on sign language alone, as well as other difficult terms. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.