Chameleon:
Changing the face of Sign Language Bible Translation
There are 70 million Deaf people in the world, and only 2% have encountered Jesus in a language and format they clearly understand — their own unique sign language. Their lives are rooted in a distinct culture, sense of identity and language, with more than 380 known sign languages in use. Yet, the only complete Bible in sign language is the American Sign Language Version. This means millions of Deaf people around the world are without God’s Word.
Sign language is a visual language, different from any spoken language. God desires to communicate His love for His people in the language that best captures their hearts, and for Deaf communities around the world, that requires Scripture that is presented naturally, clearly and visually.
A Visual Language
Needs A Visual Bible
A visual Bible looks different from printed Scripture. Typically, a sign language Bible video is developed by recording a Deaf translator's face, hands, body movements and expressions — all part of natural sign language. This then brings the gospel to life!
When you read the Bible, you’re reading the Word of God that has been passed down from generation to generation. You might get a sense of the personality of the various authors of the biblical text (think Solomon or Paul), but you as the reader wouldn’t typically connect personally with the author.
That’s not the case for those engaging with the sign language Bible. When you see an individual signing the Word of God, you begin to associate the message with that individual. This can be detrimental to Scripture engagement, as the signer becomes the focus rather than the gospel message their sharing.
Not only that, but in many areas of the world, when the identity of the translator on camera is revealed, they risk arrest, criticism, rejection or the termination of the entire translation project.
So what’s to be done? If sign language must be visual, how can we address these challenges?
Meet
Chameleon
Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the process of Scripture translation. One cutting-edge AI technology, Chameleon, was designed specifically for sign languages. It is changing the way the world makes resources available to the global Deaf community and addressing their unique communication needs.
How It Works
Chameleon is an innovative markerless system, using multiple cameras, that facilitates the accurate recognition and translation of sign language through the use of AI. Without the need for a special motion capture suit or green screen, the translator can sign naturally. The system not only captures and tracks live signing but also transfers the language to lifelike avatars. This provides a groundbreaking solution for creating visually engaging Scripture content for Deaf communities.
Expanding Opportunities
Avatars provide Deaf translators with the ability to protect their identity and use one signer for multiple avatars, enhancing the flexibility and editing of content.
Using 3D biblical characters, multiple ethnicities and customizable environments, translators can create visually engaging Scripture content and settings for Deaf communities around the world.
Accelerating Scripture Translation
Chameleon’s unique ability to accurately track and reproduce sign language through 3D avatars not only opens up new possibilities but also accelerates the work.
Using Chameleon, the drafting process for creating new Scripture content is radically enhanced through splicing and blending multiple recordings with cinema-quality editing.
For example, the adaptation of similar sign languages is possible by inserting or modifying signs with shared recordings. This advances the production of Scripture for new languages without the need for recording all new content.
With the potential for multiple signers and seamless adaptations, Chameleon represents a significant leap forward in the field of sign language translation and has the power to revolutionize Scripture translation and distribution.
Until All
Deaf Have Seen
The impact of Chameleon on sign language Bible translation is profound. The Bible is a revered and sacred text for millions of people worldwide, and ensuring its accessibility to the global Deaf community is of utmost importance. With Chameleon, the translation process becomes more efficient, accurate and accessible, allowing Deaf individuals to experience the Scriptures in their native language.
Join us in praying that God uses Chameleon to accomplish His purposes — and that one day, every Deaf man, woman and child will have the full Word of God in the language that best captures their hearts!
