First 'Indian Sign Language' Dictionary Of 3000 Words Launched

The very first sign language dictionary of India called "Indian Sign Language Dictionary" has been launched in New Delhi by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot.

Who developed the dictionary?

The dictionary has been developed by Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre (ISLR&TC) that works under the department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities M/o Social Justice & Empowerment.

Features of the dictionary

The very impressive feature of the dictionary is that it collaborates around 3000 words in it. It will be available in English and Hindi Languages making it easier for the deaf to understand a foreign language. The ISL dictionary has been categorised into following sections:

• Everyday Terms -The terms that are used in everyday communication. The videos contain the sign and the corresponding English term.
• Legal Terms – This category includes videos for 237 legal terms help explain complicated legal terminology like “Affidavit”, “Acquittal”, etc. That are used in various legal situations.
• Academic Terms - To help deaf children understand complex academic concepts, the academic dictionary contains explanations for terms like “Nervous System”, “Rotation” and “Revolution”, etc. The words are from various subjects like Physics, Geography, Biology, Maths, etc. This category contains 229 videos for 212 terms.
• Medical Terms – This category includes 200 sign videos for 200 medical terms will help the deaf community to better understand medical terminology used in hospitals and in medical situations.
• Technical Terms - This category has 206 videos of sign and explanations in ISL for 204 technical terms that are used in vocational training or in computer courses.

 Significance

The dictionary will help the deaf to remove the communication barriers and also it will help them with an opportunity to express openly and clearly. With the help of ISL, deaf people will be brought to the main stream of the society

Expected Questions

How many words does India's first sign language dictionary comprise of?

a. 2500

b. 5000

c. 3000

d. 4500

The department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities works under the ministry of

a. Parliamentary Affairs

b. Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation

c. Health and Family Welfare

d. Social Justice & Empowerment