Researchers from the Gesture Research Center at an International Linguistics Conference
On September 26, during the 7th International Linguistics Conference “Languages and People” held at Vilnius University, Nijolė Pivorienė — sign language specialist and lecturer at the Gesture Research Center of Vilnius College — delivered a scientific report prepared in collaboration with the Center’s research team: “Problems of Teaching, Translating, and Systematizing Lithuanian Sign Language Numerals in the LGK Dictionary.”
The presentation attracted considerable attention from the academic community: participants posed relevant questions, expressed positive feedback, and encouraged the continuation of this line of research. Such responses reaffirmed the significance and relevance of the chosen direction.
The research idea originated during professional discussions earlier this year, with the objective of examining the use of quantitative numerals in greater depth. A qualitative study was subsequently conducted, comparing the usage practices of native sign language users, professional interpreters, and graduates of the Lithuanian Sign Language Translation study program, thereby revealing existing variability. The research was carried out from spring through early autumn.
The research team extends sincere gratitude to native LGK users, interpreters of the Lithuanian Sign Language Translation Center, and graduates of the Lithuanian Sign Language Translation Program at the Faculty of Education of Vilnius College for their commitment, cooperation, and patience in contributing to the study.
As emphasized by N. Pivorienė in her presentation, the study did not aim to identify or highlight individual errors or inaccuracies. Rather, its primary focus was on exploring the variability in the use of numerals — the reasons for such variation and the methodological approaches required to assist sign language users and interpreters in systematically developing their LGK competencies. The findings also underscored the necessity of presenting numerals in the LGK Dictionary in a systematic and consistent manner. The dictionary serves not only as a primary lexical resource for sign language users, but also as an important instrument reflecting the grammatical subtleties of the language.
