iTalk4U: a method for developing a smartphone application to improving communication between deaf and listeners

Abstract

There are still many communication barriers for the deaf, especially among the non-oralized natives and the listening public. Technology advancements can contribute to minimize this problem with development of vocalizer synthesizers. This paper presents the software development method of "ILalk4U", which converts words and phrases from LIBRAS into spoken Portuguese, providing to deaf more autonomy without the need of human LIBRAS translators at bank branches. Lhe application was developed for Android smartphones using text-to-speech and touch screen technology. Was validated by three LIBRAS translators and smartphone programmers who evaluated it positively.