Sign language interpreting
On-site and video interpreting for appointments, meetings and events.
Sign languages · sign language
French Belgian Sign Language (LSFB) interpreting
Langue des signes de Belgique francophone (LSFB) is the sign language of Deaf people in the French-speaking Community of Belgium, recognised by decree.
In its own words
Langue des signes de Belgique francophone (LSFB)
- Script
- None (signed language); fingerspelling and written texts use the local alphabet
- Direction
- Signed (visual-spatial)
- ISO 639-3
sfb
LSFB and Flemish Sign Language (VGT) share a common origin in Belgian Deaf education and later developed separately. LSFB is close to French Sign Language in some respects but is a distinct language with its own vocabulary and regional variation, for example between Liège, Namur, Mons and Brussels.
The Parliament of the French Community of Belgium recognises LSFB by decree. The Fédération Francophone des Sourds de Belgique (FFSB) represents the community.
The LSFB Deaf community has been active in describing and teaching the language, and LSFB courses are offered in Wallonia and Brussels. Many Deaf people in Wallonia are bilingual in LSFB and written French, but sign language interpreting remains essential for complex or sensitive matters.
- Main areas: Belgium (Hainaut, Liège, Luxembourg, Namur, Walloon Brabant)
- Also used: Belgium (Brussels Capital)
- Other regions
Communities abroad are not shown. Point to an area to see its name.
How we help
French Belgian Sign Language services
Video interpreting
Remote interpreting by secure video, where visual contact is essential.
Video translation and captions
Captions, subtitles and sign language video for your content.
SILA Linguists®
French Belgian Sign Language (LSFB) interpreting with SILA Linguists®
Langue des signes de Belgique francophone, LSFB, is used by Deaf people in Wallonia and Brussels. It shares a common origin with Flemish Sign Language in Belgian Deaf education and later developed separately, and while it is close to French Sign Language in some respects, it is a distinct language with its own vocabulary and regional variation between Liège, Namur, Mons and Brussels. The Parliament of the French Community has officially recognised LSFB. SILA Linguists® provides LSFB interpreting, video translation and captioning for public services, healthcare providers, courts, schools and EU events.
LSFB interpreting across Wallonia and Brussels
In Brussels, ask whether the Deaf person uses LSFB or VGT, and remember that International Sign is often used at EU institutions. Deaf people from France or Switzerland may understand LSFB partly but should be offered their own sign language where possible. Tell us which city the Deaf person comes from so we can match regional signs.
We provide LSFB interpreting on site and by video for public service appointments, hospital consultations, court hearings, schools and universities, and EU events in Brussels. For hospital appointments, court hearings and other high-stakes settings, sharing names, documents and technical terms with the interpreter in advance improves accuracy, and long assignments are covered by co-working pairs. The LSFB Deaf community has been active in research and teaching, and our interpreters keep pace with its evolving vocabulary.
Written French into LSFB video
Many Deaf people in Wallonia are bilingual in LSFB and written French, but signed information remains the most accessible format for many. We translate written French or English, such as public notices, patient leaflets, school communications and website content, into recorded LSFB video made with Deaf translators, and translate signed LSFB video into written French or English. Belgian documents are translated and certified by our French and Dutch teams.
For federal or Brussels-wide campaigns, we can produce LSFB and VGT versions together, keeping the message identical in both.
Captions and transcripts
We caption videos and conference recordings in French, Dutch or English and supply written transcripts of signed and spoken content.
At conferences and public meetings in Brussels, we can combine LSFB interpreters with live French captions, so that deafened and hard of hearing participants who do not sign are included too.
Sectors we support in LSFB
Our vetted, trained and qualified LSFB interpreters can support public services, healthcare providers, courts, educational institutions and EU event organisers. SILA Linguists® arranges each assignment through one coordinating team, using vetted professionals, confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR safeguards.
Good to know
Working with French Belgian Sign Language
Interpreting
- We provide LSFB interpreting on site and by video. In Brussels, ask whether the Deaf person uses LSFB or VGT, and remember that International Sign is often used at EU institutions.
- Deaf people from France or Switzerland may understand LSFB partly but should be offered their own sign language where possible.
- For hospital appointments, court hearings and employment meetings, on-site interpreting is preferable. Video interpreting suits shorter contacts and is useful when the Deaf person and the interpreter are in different places. Two interpreters are recommended for long meetings.
Translation
- Written French (Belgian usage) can be translated into filmed LSFB, with French subtitles. Our French team provides certified document translation.
Related languages
French Belgian Sign Language and its neighbours
Choose a language to see its page. Getting the right variety matters: tell us the region or dialect if you know it.
Where French Belgian Sign Language is often needed
- Public services
- Healthcare
- Courts
- Education
- EU events in Brussels
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Get in touch
Need a French Belgian Sign Language interpreter?
Our bookings team will confirm the details with you and arrange the right linguist. Have the language (and dialect, if you know it), the type of assignment and the date ready.