Current Trends in Online Sign Language Dictionaries

Abstract This article examines the current state of many online sign language dictionaries by providing an overview of their primary characteristics and presenting a framework for their description, comparison, and analysis. The main aims are to discuss the diverse characteristics of 54 general dictionaries and to apply a comprehensive analytical framework to 31 of them, highlighting features such as search functionalities, content presentation, and the availability of supplementary materials. In the conclusions, two innovative aspects pertinent to the future of these dictionaries are introduced, i.e., the implementation of avatars and the development of interoperable, open knowledge bases in accordance with the principles of the Linked Open Data paradigm.