Deaf in AI: AI language technologies and the erosion of linguistic rights

Authors Maartje de Meulder
Published in Language and Law/Linguagem e Direito
Publication date 2025
Research groups Speech and Language Therapy: Participation through communication
Type Report

Summary

This paper explores the interplay of AI language technologies, sign language interpreting, and linguistic access, highlighting the complex interdependencies shaping access frameworks and the tradeoffs these technologies bring. While AI tools promise innovation, they also perpetuate biases, reinforce techno ableism, and deepen inequalities through systemic and design flaws. The historical and contemporary privileging of sign language interpreting as the dominant access model, and the broader inclusion ideologies it reflects, shape AIs development and deployment, often sidelining deaf languaging practices and introducing new forms of linguistic subordination to technology. Drawing on Deaf Studies, Sign Language Interpreting Studies, and crip technoscience, this paper critiques the framing of AI as a substitute for interpreters and examines its implications for access hierarchies. It calls for deaf-led approaches to foster AI systems that remain equitable, inclusive, and trustworthy, supporting rather than undermining linguistic autonomy and contributing to deaf aligned futures.

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Language English
Published in Language and Law/Linguagem e Direito
Year and volume 12 1
Key words AI language technologies, sign language interpreting, linguistic rights, access, deafness
Digital Object Identifier 10.48550/arXiv.2505.02519
Page range 101-121

Speech and Language Therapy: Participation through communication