Sign language interpreting
On-site and video interpreting for appointments, meetings and events.
Sign languages · sign language
Greek Sign Language interpreting and translation
Ελληνική Νοηματική Γλώσσα (ΕΝΓ), Greek Sign Language, is the language of the Deaf community in Greece and is recognised in Greek law as equal to the Greek language.
Ελληνική Νοηματική Γλώσσα (ΕΝΓ)
- Script
- None (signed language); fingerspelling and written texts use the local alphabet
- Direction
- Signed (visual-spatial)
- ISO 639-3
gss
Greek Sign Language is a natural language with its own grammar. Its early history is linked to Deaf schools founded in the twentieth century, and there are signs of influence from other European sign languages through education, but its classification has not been settled. Cypriot Sign Language is closely related.
Greek law recognises Greek Sign Language as equal in status to the Greek language, and earlier education law recognised it as the first language of Deaf pupils. A national Deaf federation represents the community.
Most Greek Deaf people read Greek as a second language, and many older Deaf people had limited access to education in sign language. Interpreting in Greek Sign Language, rather than written Greek, is therefore important for legal, medical and financial information.
- Main areas: Greece
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How we help
Greek 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®
Greek Sign Language interpreters and signed video by SILA Linguists®
Greek Sign Language is a natural language with its own grammar, linked historically to Greek Deaf schools. Greek law recognises it as equal in status to the Greek language and as the first language of Deaf pupils. Cypriot Sign Language is closely related. SILA Linguists® provides Greek Sign Language interpreting, video translation and captioning for healthcare providers, public services, courts, schools and tourism and event organisers in Greece and abroad.
Greek Sign Language interpreting, wherever the appointment is
Most Greek Sign Language interpreters are based in Athens and Thessaloniki, so video remote interpreting is a practical choice for appointments on the islands, in smaller towns or abroad. We also arrange on-site interpreting for hospital and clinic appointments, public service offices, court hearings, school meetings, and tourism and cultural events.
A Deaf interpreter is helpful for legal and asylum-related work, and for older Deaf people, many of whom had limited access to education in sign language. Many Deaf refugees arriving in Greece use the sign language of their home country rather than Greek Sign Language; tell us the person's background and we will arrange the right combination of interpreters, including Deaf relay. Two interpreters cover long or technical sessions.
Most Greek Deaf people read Greek as a second language, so written information alone is rarely enough at a medical or legal appointment. Our interpreters take time to check understanding of dates, dosages and next steps before the session ends.
Written Greek into signed video
We translate written Greek or English, including health information, public service guidance, school letters and visitor information, into recorded Greek Sign Language video with Deaf translators, and translate signed video into written Greek or English. Greek certificates and records are translated and certified by our Greek team.
Hotels, museums and event organisers welcoming Deaf visitors can commission short signed introductions and safety information, which make a visit far more accessible.
Captioning
We caption videos, webinars and recorded events in Greek or English, and transcribe meetings that include signing.
Live events can combine Greek Sign Language interpreters with real-time captions, reaching Deaf signers and hard of hearing people who do not sign.
Sectors we support in Greek Sign Language
Our vetted, trained and qualified Greek Sign Language interpreters can support healthcare providers, public services, courts, schools and tourism and event organisers. SILA Linguists® coordinates each booking through one project team, with vetted interpreters, confidentiality agreements and personal data handled under UK GDPR.
Good to know
Working with Greek Sign Language
Interpreting
- We provide Greek Sign Language interpreting on site and by video remote interpreting. Most interpreters are based in Athens and Thessaloniki, so video can be practical for appointments elsewhere.
- A Deaf interpreter is helpful for legal and asylum-related work. Note that many Deaf refugees arriving in Greece use the sign language of their home country, not Greek Sign Language.
Translation
- Written Greek can be translated into filmed Greek Sign Language, with Greek subtitles. Our Greek team handles certified document translation.
Related languages
Greek 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.
Greek Sign LanguageCypriot Sign LanguageRelated
Where Greek Sign Language is often needed
- Healthcare
- Public services
- Courts
- Education
- Tourism and events
Explore more sign languages or see all languages A to Z.
Get in touch
Need a Greek 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.