An XML-gloss annotation system for sign language processing

Abstract

In this paper, we deal with a continuous work to design a new transcription system to annotate Sign Language in order to use it in different fields of Sign Language Processing like Machine Translation (MT) or 3D synthesis using conversational virtual agent (avatar). This work presents a new XML representation of Sign Language based on the annotation system Gloss used usually in American Sign Language (ASL). The annotation system covers all aspects of Sign Language starting from hand shape and hand configuration to facial expression and head movement. In addition, we developed an API that help to generate XML and render the result through schema style file.