| dc.description.abstract | A large global population experiences some degree of hearing loss, limiting access
to multimedia content that depends on spoken language. In Sri Lanka, Deaf and
Hard of Hearing individuals communicate primarily in Sri Lankan Sign Language,
yet existing subtitle systems fail to convey essential sign language features such as
visual grammar, facial expressions, and visual prosody. Although recent advances in
automated sign language generation have enabled real-time 3D avatar-based signing
for several international sign languages, there is currently no integrated system that
converts multimedia subtitles into Sri Lankan Sign Language in real time. This review
article examines existing local and international research related to Sri Lankan Sign
Language datasets, subtitle processing and synchronization, text-to-gloss translation,
avatar-based sign synthesis, motion representation, and user-centered evaluation. The
transfer of technology, identification of research gaps, and the existence of systems level requirements that can be met, has been determined through a systematic review
methodology. Initial research on gesture modelling and procedural animation has
been done by Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lankan researchers have developed very few
linguistic resources to support the development of avatar frameworks that allow for a
more expressive representation of individuals using avatars. In contrast, studies from
other countries demonstrate mature techniques for gloss translation, real-time subtitle
alignment, and avatar-based sign language animation that could be adapted for the
Sri Lankan context. The review concludes that developing an automated pipeline to
translate subtitles into Sri Lankan Sign Language using avatars is both feasible and
essential. Such a system would significantly enhance multimedia accessibility and
provide a strong foundation for future inclusive technology research in Sri Lanka. | en_US |
