Sign language interpreting
On-site and video interpreting for appointments, meetings and events.
Sign languages · sign language
Italian Swiss Sign Language interpreting
Deaf people in Italian-speaking Switzerland use a sign language they call Lingua dei segni italiana (LIS). It is sometimes called Swiss-Italian Sign Language.
In its own words
Lingua dei segni italiana (LIS), Svizzera italiana
- Script
- None (signed language); fingerspelling and written texts use the local alphabet
- Direction
- Signed (visual-spatial)
- ISO 639-3
slf
This is the smallest of Switzerland's three sign languages. It is closely related to Italian Sign Language from Italy, with local signs from the Ticino Deaf community. Whether it is a separate language or a regional variety of LIS is debated; the Swiss Deaf community treats it as one of three national sign languages.
There is no federal legal recognition of sign languages in Switzerland yet. Parliament and the Federal Council are considering how to recognise them, and the three Swiss sign languages are listed as intangible cultural heritage.
Deaf people in Ticino are a small community, and many have contact with Deaf people in northern Italy and with the other Swiss Deaf communities. Some therefore understand International Sign or a second sign language, which can help at national events.
- Main areas: Switzerland (Ticino)
- Also used: Switzerland (Grisons)
- Other regions
Communities abroad are not shown. Point to an area to see its name.
How we help
Italian Swiss 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®
Italian Swiss Sign Language interpreting for Ticino with SILA Linguists®
The sign language of Italian-speaking Switzerland, used in Ticino and Italian-speaking Graubünden, is the smallest of Switzerland's three national sign languages. It is closely related to Italian Sign Language, with local signs from the Ticino Deaf community, and whether it is a separate language or a regional variety of LIS is debated. SILA Linguists® provides interpreting, signed video and captions for public services in Ticino, healthcare providers, schools and employers, and for Ticinese Deaf people elsewhere.
Interpreters who know Ticinese signs
We provide interpreting in the sign language of Italian-speaking Switzerland through specialist interpreters. An LIS interpreter from northern Italy may be understood in many situations, but local Swiss signs and institutional terms differ, from cantonal offices to health insurance, so we check with the Deaf person first.
Typical assignments include appointments with public services in Ticino, hospital and clinic visits, school meetings and workplace discussions. Video remote interpreting is often practical for appointments outside Ticino, for example in Zurich, Bern or abroad. Deaf people in Ticino are a small community with links to northern Italy and to the other Swiss Deaf communities, and some are comfortable in more than one sign language; we record each person's preference.
Written Italian into signed video
We translate written Italian or English, such as cantonal information, patient leaflets and school communications, into recorded signed video with Deaf translators familiar with Ticinese usage, and translate signed video into written Italian or English. Swiss documents in Italian are translated and certified by our Italian team.
National organisations can order versions in all three Swiss sign languages through a single project, with consistent content in each.
Captions and transcripts
We caption videos and recorded meetings in Italian, German, French or English and transcribe signed and spoken content, each file reviewed by a person.
For live events in Lugano, Bellinzona or elsewhere, real-time Italian captions can be added alongside sign language interpreters, so hard of hearing participants who do not sign can follow too. Recordings can then be published with captions and the interpreter shown in a window, giving the event a second life online.
Sectors we support in Italian Swiss Sign Language
Our vetted, trained and qualified interpreters can support public services in Ticino, healthcare providers, schools and employers. Because interpreters are few, please book early and share the subject in advance. SILA Linguists® coordinates each assignment through one project team, with vetted specialists, confidentiality agreements and personal data protected under UK GDPR.
Good to know
Working with Italian Swiss Sign Language
Interpreting
- We provide interpreting in the sign language of Italian-speaking Switzerland through specialist interpreters. An LIS interpreter from northern Italy may be understood in many situations, but local Swiss signs and institutional terms differ, so check with the Deaf person.
- Video remote interpreting is often practical for appointments outside Ticino.
Translation
- Written Italian (Swiss usage) can be translated into filmed sign language for Ticino audiences, with Italian subtitles. Federal guidance recommends key information in all three Swiss sign languages.
Related languages
Italian Swiss 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.
Italian Swiss Sign LanguageItalian Sign LanguageRelatedFrench Swiss Sign LanguageRelatedSwiss German Sign LanguageRelated
Where Italian Swiss Sign Language is often needed
- Public services in Ticino
- Healthcare
- Education
- Employment
Explore more sign languages or see all languages A to Z.
Get in touch
Need a Italian Swiss 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.