Sign language interpreting
On-site and video interpreting for appointments, meetings and events.
Sign languages · sign language
Lithuanian Sign Language interpreting
Lietuvių gestų kalba, Lithuanian Sign Language, is recognised by the Lithuanian Parliament as the native language of Deaf people.
Lietuvių gestų kalba
- Script
- None (signed language); fingerspelling and written texts use the local alphabet
- Direction
- Signed (visual-spatial)
- ISO 639-3
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Lithuanian Sign Language has its own grammar and has been the subject of dictionary and grammar work in Lithuania since independence. Like other Baltic sign languages, it has been influenced by Russian Sign Language, but it is a separate language.
A resolution of the Seimas recognises Lithuanian Sign Language as the native language of Deaf people, and later education and social legislation built on it. A national Deaf association represents the community, and regional sign language interpreting centres operate in the main cities.
Many Lithuanian Deaf people now live in the UK, Ireland and Norway. Some have learned the sign language of their new country, and may prefer it for local matters such as employment or school meetings, while using Lithuanian Sign Language for family and complex personal issues.
- Main areas: Lithuania
Communities abroad are not shown. Point to an area to see its name.
How we help
Lithuanian 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®
Lithuanian Sign Language interpreters and signed video with SILA Linguists®
Lietuvių gestų kalba, Lithuanian Sign Language, has its own grammar and vocabulary. Like other Baltic sign languages it was influenced by Russian Sign Language, but it is a separate language, officially recognised in Lithuania as the native language of Deaf people. SILA Linguists® offers Lithuanian Sign Language interpreters, signed video and captions to employers, GPs and hospitals, lawyers and social workers, in Lithuania and across the Lithuanian Deaf diaspora in the UK, Ireland and Norway.
Interpreting for Deaf Lithuanians at home and abroad
Video remote interpreting can connect an interpreter from Lithuania to an appointment anywhere, which is often the quickest route for a GP visit, a meeting with an employer, a benefits interview or a call with a solicitor. Regional sign language interpreting centres operate in Lithuania's main cities, and we work with experienced interpreters who know both everyday and professional vocabulary.
Some Deaf Lithuanians abroad have learned the sign language of their new country, while others continue to rely on Lithuanian Sign Language, so we ask each person which they prefer. For immigration or employment matters abroad, a relay through a hearing Lithuanian interpreter can also be arranged. On-site interpreting is available where an interpreter can attend, and long sessions are covered by two interpreters.
Written Lithuanian into signed video
Lithuanian or English documents, from employment contracts and safety procedures to health leaflets and social services letters, are recorded in Lithuanian Sign Language by Deaf translators; signed Lithuanian video can also be written up in either language. Lithuanian civil certificates are certified separately by our Lithuanian translators.
For employers with Deaf Lithuanian staff, for example in food production, logistics or warehousing, we can produce signed induction and safety videos that new colleagues can watch as many times as they need.
Lithuanian captions and written records
Lithuanian or English captions can be added to videos and recorded meetings, and transcripts show both signed and spoken contributions.
For workplace training sessions with Deaf and hearing staff together, we can show the interpreter in a separate window and add captions, so everyone follows the same material.
Where we can help in Lithuanian Sign Language
Our vetted, trained and qualified Lithuanian Sign Language interpreters can support employers, healthcare providers, legal practitioners and social services. For every Lithuanian Sign Language request you deal with one SILA Linguists® coordinator, interpreters are vetted, and Deaf Lithuanians' information is kept private under non-disclosure agreements and UK GDPR.
Lithuanian Deaf clubs abroad are close-knit, so we are careful to ask whether a Deaf person would rather not be interpreted by someone they know socially.
Good to know
Working with Lithuanian Sign Language
Interpreting
- We provide Lithuanian Sign Language interpreting on site and by video. Video remote interpreting can connect an interpreter from Lithuania.
- For immigration or employment matters abroad, a relay through a hearing Lithuanian interpreter can also be arranged.
Translation
- Lithuanian documents are handled by our Lithuanian translation team. We also provide signed video translation.
Related languages
Lithuanian 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.
Lithuanian Sign LanguageLatvian Sign LanguageRelatedEstonian Sign LanguageRelatedRussian Sign LanguageRelated
Where Lithuanian Sign Language is often needed
- Employment
- Healthcare
- Legal matters
- Social services
Explore more sign languages or see all languages A to Z.
Get in touch
Need a Lithuanian 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.