Norwegian Sign Language interpreting

Norwegian Sign Language interpreting in Norway and abroad

Norway has a public interpreting service for Deaf and Deafblind people through NAV, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration. When Norwegian Deaf people travel, study, work or receive treatment abroad, or when international organisations need interpreting in Norway, we arrange Norwegian Sign Language interpreters on site and by video.

Team interpreting is standard for long events. Tell us where in Norway the Deaf person grew up and went to school, as some signs differ between regions and generations. International Sign may be used at Nordic and international Deaf events, and we can provide it alongside Norwegian Sign Language. Typical assignments include hospital and specialist appointments, workplace meetings, courses and conferences, and dealings with public services.

Deafblind Norwegians may use tactile signing or other adapted methods, and we ask about this at booking so we can provide suitably trained interpreters.

Written Norwegian into signed video

Norwegian or English texts, such as patient information, staff handbooks, course notes and public announcements, are turned into recorded Norwegian Sign Language by Deaf translators, and signed Norwegian clips can be written up in Norwegian or English. Norwegian certificates and diplomas are certified by our Norwegian translators.

Because Norwegian law gives public bodies a responsibility to protect and promote Norwegian Sign Language, many organisations now add signed summaries to their websites, and we can produce these to a consistent standard.

Signed summaries work best when they are short and focused, so we usually suggest one clip per topic rather than a single long video.

Norwegian captions and transcripts

Norwegian or English captions are available for videos and conference recordings, along with transcripts of signing and speech.

Norway's long coastline and scattered communities make good-quality captioned video particularly useful for reaching Deaf people far from the main cities.

Sectors we support in Norwegian Sign Language

Our vetted, trained and qualified Norwegian Sign Language interpreters can support healthcare providers, employers, schools and universities, public services and conference organisers. Every Norwegian Sign Language request is handled by one SILA Linguists® coordinator, with vetted interpreters, non-disclosure agreements and UK GDPR safeguarding Deaf clients' privacy.