SIGN LANGUAGE RECOGNITION

Effective communication remains a major challenge for individuals who are mute or deaf, especially in environments where sign language is not widely understood. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, and computer vision have accelerated the development of intelligent assistive systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of research conducted between 2015 and 2025 and examines the evolution of gesture-recognition and sign-language translation technologies. A conceptual framework, Signify Connect, is introduced as an integrated, AI-driven communication system capable of translating gestures into text or speech and converting spoken language into accessible formats. The paper highlights technological trends, identifies gaps in existing work, and outlines future directions for achieving a more robust, real-time, and culturally adaptive assistive communication ecosystem.