Sign language interpreting
On-site and video interpreting for appointments, meetings and events.
Sign languages · sign language
Polish Sign Language (PJM) interpreting and translation
Polski język migowy (PJM) is the sign language of the Deaf community in Poland and is used by many Polish Deaf people living elsewhere in Europe.
Polski język migowy (PJM)
- Script
- None (signed language); fingerspelling and written texts use the local alphabet
- Direction
- Signed (visual-spatial)
- ISO 639-3
pso
PJM is a natural language with its own grammar and is generally placed in the German Sign Language family. It should not be confused with system językowo-migowy (SJM), a signed system that follows Polish grammar and has been used in schools; most Deaf Poles prefer PJM.
The Polish Act on sign language and other means of communication recognises PJM and SJM and gives Deaf people the right to use them in dealings with public bodies. A national Deaf association represents the community.
- Main areas: Poland
Communities abroad are not shown. Point to an area to see its name.
How we help
Polish 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®
Polish Sign Language (PJM) interpreters and PJM video from SILA Linguists®
Polski język migowy, PJM, is a natural language with its own grammar, generally placed in the German Sign Language family. It should not be confused with SJM, a signed system that follows Polish grammar and has been used in schools; most Deaf Poles prefer PJM. Polish law recognises both and gives Deaf people the right to use them with public bodies. SILA Linguists® provides PJM interpreters, signed video and captions for employers, benefits advisers, GPs, courts, police, social workers and schools, in Poland and among Polish Deaf communities in the UK and Europe.
PJM interpreting for Polish Deaf communities
In the UK, Ireland and other countries with Polish communities, we check whether the Deaf person prefers PJM or the local sign language, and whether they use PJM or SJM, as preferences differ, especially among hard of hearing people. Many Deaf Poles abroad keep close links with their Deaf community at home.
We provide PJM interpreting on site and by video for job interviews, employment and benefits meetings, GP and hospital appointments, police interviews and court hearings, child protection and social care meetings, and schools. A Deaf interpreter can support legal and child protection work, where precise communication with Deaf parents is essential. Long sessions are covered by two interpreters.
PJM interpreting abroad often happens where several systems meet: a Polish Deaf parent, a British social worker and BSL-using children, for example. We can bring PJM and BSL interpreters together so that every family member communicates in their own language.
Written Polish into PJM video
Polish or English paperwork, such as employment contracts, benefits letters, safeguarding leaflets and school notices, is turned into recorded PJM by Deaf translators, and signed PJM can be written up in Polish or English. Polish birth, marriage and school certificates are certified by our Polish translators.
For employers with Deaf Polish staff, signed safety briefings and induction videos help new colleagues settle in and understand workplace rules from day one.
Captions in Polish and English
Polish or English captions can accompany videos and recorded meetings, and every caption file is proofread by a human.
Social care teams can request written records of meetings with Deaf parents in both English and Polish.
Sectors we support in PJM
Our vetted, trained and qualified PJM interpreters can support employers and benefits advisers, healthcare providers, courts and police, and social care and education services. One SILA Linguists® coordinator handles all PJM work, interpreters are vetted, and Polish Deaf families' details stay confidential under non-disclosure agreements and UK GDPR.
Good to know
Working with Polish Sign Language
Interpreting
- We provide PJM interpreting on site and by video. In the UK, Ireland and other countries with Polish communities, check whether the Deaf person prefers PJM or the local sign language.
- Ask whether the client prefers PJM or SJM, as preferences differ especially among hard of hearing people. A Deaf interpreter can support legal and child protection work.
Translation
- Polish documents are handled by our Polish certified translation service. Written content can be translated into filmed PJM, with Polish subtitles.
Related languages
Polish 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 Polish Sign Language is often needed
- Employment and benefits
- Healthcare
- Courts and police
- Social care and education
Explore more sign languages or see all languages A to Z.
Get in touch
Need a Polish 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.