Kurdish Sign Language interpreting

How KuSL interpreting usually works

In practice, KuSL assignments often rely on a Deaf interpreter or Deaf relay who shares or can adapt to the person's signing, working with a hearing interpreter in Kurdish (Sorani or Badini/Kurmanji) and English, or with a sign language interpreter of the host country. For asylum, legal and mental health appointments this team approach is the most reliable way to make sure the Deaf person understands and is understood.

Tell us which city the person comes from, whether they attended a Deaf school, and whether they have learned another sign language since leaving, such as Turkish Sign Language or the sign language of their new country. We arrange interpreting on site where the team can attend together, and by video remote interpreting when the Deaf relay is based elsewhere. Allow extra time for introductions and for checking understanding.

Video translation of written information

Many Deaf people from the Kurdistan Region have had limited access to written Kurdish. We can produce recorded signed versions of key information, such as appointment details, rights and procedures, prepared with a Deaf translator, and we can translate a signed video statement into written English. Identity and civil documents from the Kurdistan Region, usually in Kurdish and sometimes bilingual Kurdish and Arabic, are translated and certified by our Kurdish and Arabic teams.

Transcripts and records

We produce written transcripts and captions of recorded sessions and signed statements, giving caseworkers and solicitors an accurate English record of what was communicated through the interpreting team. Written documentation of KuSL is limited, so we note in the record which signs or concepts needed explanation and how the team resolved them.

Sectors we support in Kurdish Sign Language

Asylum and immigration interviews, legal advice and courts, healthcare and mental health services, and social services are where KuSL interpreting is most needed. SILA Linguists® coordinates Deaf and hearing interpreters through one project team, using vetted professionals bound by confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR. We also brief the whole team before the appointment, sharing names, places and the purpose of the meeting, so that time with the Deaf person is used well.