Croatian Sign Language (HZJ) interpreting

HZJ interpreting, including Deafblind communication

We provide HZJ interpreting on site and by video. Video remote interpreting with an interpreter in Croatia can be effective for short appointments abroad. Interpreters from neighbouring countries may sometimes be understood, but we check that with the Deaf person first rather than assuming.

Typical assignments include job interviews and workplace meetings, hospital and GP appointments, legal consultations and court matters, and dealings with public services. For Deafblind clients, Croatian law recognises tactile and other communication methods; tell us at booking which method the person uses, and we will arrange interpreters trained in it. Tourism businesses welcoming Deaf visitors can also book HZJ interpreters for tours and events.

Signed video translation

Written Croatian is a second language for many Deaf Croatians. We translate employment contracts, health information, legal notices and tourism content into recorded HZJ video produced with Deaf translators, and translate signed video into written English or Croatian. Croatian civil documents are translated and certified by our Croatian team.

Because HZJ and its neighbours share so much history, a Deaf person from Bosnia and Herzegovina or Serbia may sometimes prefer a Croatian interpreter, or the reverse; we record each client's preference so that future bookings match it. For organisations producing information for the whole region, we can advise whether one signed version will serve or whether separate national versions are needed.

Captions and written records

We caption videos and produce written transcripts of recorded meetings and statements, giving employers, solicitors and service providers a clear written record of signed and spoken content.

Sectors we support in HZJ

Our vetted, trained and qualified HZJ interpreters can support employers, healthcare providers, legal practitioners, tourism businesses and public services. SILA Linguists® arranges every assignment through one coordinating team, using vetted interpreters bound by confidentiality agreements, with personal data processed under UK GDPR. Where a Deaf client needs regular support, for example during a job placement or a course of treatment, we can keep the same interpreter for continuity.