Nonmanual Marking of Questions in Balinese Homesign Interactions: a Computer-Vision Assisted Analysis

Abstract

In recent years, both linguistic resources and computer-based tools have been developed that make it possible to investigate research questions that have not been studied before. In this study, we conduct a study of nonmanual question marking, using data from the Balinese Homesign Corpus – a unique resource documenting language use in several Balinese homesigners. We further demonstrate how using OpenFace, a Computer-Vision solution, allows for quantitative analysis of head tilts used by these signers in marking questions. We also showcase a pilot statistical analysis of the dynamic kinetic contours of the head movements.