Albanian Sign Language interpreting

Interpreting for Deaf Albanians, usually as a team

Many assignments need a Deaf relay who knows Albanian Sign Language, working with a hearing Albanian interpreter or a sign language interpreter of the host country. Before an asylum interview or a court hearing, we check where the person grew up, whether they attended the Deaf school in Tirana, how much written Albanian they read, and whether they have picked up another sign language since leaving Albania.

We arrange interpreting on site and by video remote interpreting for asylum interviews, police interviews, court hearings, hospital and GP appointments and social services meetings. Allow extra time for the team to establish communication at the start, especially with Deaf people who had limited schooling. Female or male interpreters can be requested.

Translating written information into signed video

Many Deaf Albanians find written Albanian or English difficult. We produce recorded signed versions of key information, such as rights, procedures and appointment letters, with a Deaf translator, and translate signed video statements into written English. Albanian civil documents are translated and certified by our Albanian team.

Transcripts and captions

We supply written English transcripts and captions of recorded sessions and statements, so that solicitors, police and caseworkers have an accurate record. Albania recognises its national sign language, yet licensed interpreters in the country remain few. That scarcity is why we plan Albanian Sign Language assignments carefully, confirm the team in advance and keep the same interpreters for follow-up appointments wherever possible.

Settings for our linguists in Albanian Sign Language

Asylum and immigration services, courts and police, healthcare providers and social services are where Albanian Sign Language is most needed. SILA Linguists® coordinates every member of the interpreting team through one project manager, with vetted professionals, non-disclosure agreements and UK GDPR protection. A short pre-meeting between the Deaf relay and the Deaf person makes the main appointment far smoother, and we build that into our planning whenever the setting allows.