Translating from a written language to a sign language is not a word-for-word process. That’s because of syntax—the grammar and structure of language used to express a complete thought. In sign langauges, the syntax can be quite different from written or spoken languages.
For example, here’s a summary of the Bible Project’s response to the question: What is the Bible? The Bible is a diverse collection of narratives, poetry, and wisdom about encounters with God by ancient peoples, produced over a thousand-year period.
An interpreter or translator might create what is called a gloss of this sentence. There’s no time for a gloss during spontaneous interpretation. But it is useful when a careful rendering of communication will be recorded.
An American Sign Language (ASL) gloss in written English, typically shown in capitalized words, could look like this:
BIBLE DIFFERENT STORIES, POETRY,
WISDOM ABOUT PEOPLE LONG-AGO MEET
GOD, MAKE FINISH OVER 1,000-YEAR.
Here’s a breakdown of the signs:
• BIBLE – Sign for Bible
• DIFFERENT STORIES – Different signed with alternating hands, and “stories” signed by mimicking storytelling or with the “story” sign
• POETRY – Signed like poem or a creative expression
• WISDOM – Use the sign for wisdom or knowledge
• ABOUT PEOPLE LONG-AGO – The signs for about, people, and long-ago to indicate ancient peoples
• MEET GOD – The signs for meet and God
• MAKE FINISH – Make or produce, followed by finish to show completion
• OVER 1,000-YEAR – 1,000 and year to indicate the time span
This gloss captures the key ideas in a concise format that follows ASL grammar and structure. We used artificial intelligence (AI) to create it in a matter of seconds—just an example of how technology can support translation into sign languages.
In addition, an AI gloss could offer trainers, translators, and interpreters a running start to prepare training videos and other resources.
Even with AI options, we rely on scholars, translators, and pastors to ensure that the Deaf Bible is faithful to the context and message of every verse.
