Sign language interpreting
On-site and video interpreting for appointments, meetings and events.
Sign languages · sign language
Icelandic Sign Language interpreting
Íslenskt táknmál, Icelandic Sign Language, is the first language of Iceland's Deaf community and is recognised in law.
Íslenskt táknmál
- Script
- None (signed language); fingerspelling and written texts use the local alphabet
- Direction
- Signed (visual-spatial)
- ISO 639-3
icl
Icelandic Sign Language developed from Danish Sign Language, as Icelandic Deaf children were educated in Copenhagen in the nineteenth century, and the two still share vocabulary. It has since become a separate language. The Deaf community is small, which makes the language vulnerable.
Iceland's law on the status of the Icelandic language and Icelandic Sign Language recognises Icelandic Sign Language as the first language of those who use it and gives the state duties to support it. A national Deaf association represents the community, and interpreting is coordinated in Iceland by a national communication centre.
Iceland has recognised that Deaf children have the right to learn Icelandic Sign Language, and the language committee for Icelandic Sign Language advises on its development. With a small community, sign language vocabulary for new technical and professional terms is often developed collaboratively, so interpreters may need preparation material well in advance.
- Main areas: Iceland
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How we help
Icelandic 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®
Icelandic Sign Language interpreting by video and on site with SILA Linguists®
Íslenskt táknmál, Icelandic Sign Language, developed from Danish Sign Language because Icelandic Deaf children were educated in Copenhagen in the nineteenth century, and the two still share vocabulary. It has since become a separate language. Icelandic law recognises it as the first language of those who rely on it. SILA Linguists® provides Icelandic Sign Language interpreting, signed video and captions for Icelandic Deaf people studying, travelling or receiving care abroad.
Connecting with Reykjavík-based interpreters
Most Icelandic Sign Language interpreters are based in Reykjavík, so video remote interpreting is usually the practical option for appointments abroad, whether a hospital consultation, a university lecture or a legal meeting. We help clients check the time difference, test the connection and position the camera so that hands and faces are clearly visible.
Icelandic Deaf people may understand some Danish Sign Language, but Icelandic Sign Language should be the first choice. For longer assignments abroad, such as a study placement, a conference or a course of medical treatment, we can arrange for an interpreter to travel, or set up a regular schedule of remote sessions. Two interpreters cover long days.
Written Icelandic into signed video
We translate written Icelandic or English, such as course information, medical instructions, legal documents and travel information, into recorded Icelandic Sign Language video with Deaf translators, and translate signed video into written Icelandic or English. Icelandic certificates and records are translated and certified by our Icelandic team.
Because the language community is small, every carefully produced signed resource has lasting value, and we work closely with Deaf translators to keep vocabulary accurate and natural.
Iceland has recognised Icelandic Sign Language by law as the first language of those who rely on it, and Deaf Icelanders abroad reasonably expect information in their own language rather than in Danish or another Nordic sign language. Short, well-scripted videos are often the most effective way to provide it.
Captions and transcripts
We caption videos and recorded meetings in Icelandic or English and transcribe signed and spoken content, with each file checked by a person.
Settings for our linguists in Icelandic Sign Language
Our vetted, trained and qualified Icelandic Sign Language interpreters can support healthcare providers, universities and colleges hosting Icelandic Deaf students, legal practitioners and travel organisers. In a small community, discretion is essential, and we offer a choice of interpreter wherever possible. SILA Linguists® coordinates each booking through one project team, with vetted interpreters, confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR compliance.
Good to know
Working with Icelandic Sign Language
Interpreting
- We provide Icelandic Sign Language interpreting; most interpreters are based in Reykjavík. Video remote interpreting is usually the practical option for appointments abroad.
- Icelandic Deaf people may understand some Danish Sign Language, but Icelandic Sign Language should be the first choice.
Translation
- Written Icelandic is handled by our Icelandic translation team. Filmed signed translations are prepared by specialist Icelandic Sign Language translators.
Related languages
Icelandic 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 Icelandic Sign Language is often needed
- Healthcare
- Education abroad
- Legal matters
- Travel
Explore more sign languages or see all languages A to Z.
Get in touch
Need a Icelandic 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.