The Asian SignBank

The Asian SignBank is an online database developed for sign language research. The idea, initiated by the Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies, was realized by the joint effort of the Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, CUHK and the Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, CUHK. Tiding the efforts from two ends of research disciplines, the Asian SignBank was constructed on the philosophical ground of Sign Linguistics and assembled through the technical implementation of Systems Engineering.

The Asian SignBank is not a Sign writing system design to reflect representation of the sign language system which has an effect of promoting sign language literacy. The Asian SignBank is an online database developed with a significant research purpose which is to facilitate componential analysis and storage of sign entries.

The application side yet is to facilitate sign language teaching and materials development, as well as Asian Sign Language research. The Asian SignBank targets on documenting sign language data from Asia Pacific Region. Researchers from the Asian countries participating in the Asia Pacific Sign Linguistics Research and Training Program contribute to data input, the foundation of the Asian SignBank.