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Sign of the times

Sign of the times THE computer scores another point. Distance learning became possible years ago with the advent of the World Wide Web. Now, us software experts have taken "distance learning" a step further. Deaf children in the US will soon be able to learn written English with the help of an Internet program that translates text into American Sign Language (ASL). When users key in text, a three-dimensional computer-generated figure named Mona articulates the words in sign language. For children brought up to communicate in ASL, English is a foreign language.

But now, Mona can help them learn to read and write by confirming the meaning of the words they have typed. "Mona could increase vocabulary and reading proficiency greatly by serving as an interpreter," says Carol Wideman, president of Seamless Solutions of Orlando in Florida, USA, which developed Mona, the on-line sign language interpreter.

Mona performs arm and hand movements at a rate of three signs per second and can also perform life-like facial gestures to indicate a question.

Helena Charlton of Britain's Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) says Mona could be "interesting". But it would only be useful to children in Britain if it was taught the British Sign Language, which differs significantly from its American counterpart.

The RNID has itself just launched a pilot project to give deaf people access to sign language interpreters through videophones in places such as doctor's surgeries. The aim is to help people in situations where they would otherwise need sign language interpreter just for a brief conversation.

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