Collaborative Consensus and Knowledge Creation: Computer-Mediated Methodology for Sign Language Studies

Abstract

Historically, the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) in particular, and most Sign Languages (SL) around the world in general, have suffered consequences of prejudice and lack of adequate scientific study. An evaluation of a computational representation of the phonology of Libras showed strong evidences of serious issues (e.g. prejudice, late acquisition, lack of knowledge, lack of standards among others). A Collaborative Consensus and Knowledge Creation (CCKC) Methodology was designed and tested in a Community of Practice centered at Libras Studies. Results showed a high degree of efficiency at addressing the issues. An extension is proposed to disseminate and enrich Libras. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.