Sign language interpreting
On-site and video interpreting for appointments, meetings and events.
Sign languages · sign language
Russian Sign Language interpreting
Русский жестовый язык, Russian Sign Language, is the sign language of the Deaf community in Russia and remains widely known among Deaf people across the former Soviet Union.
Русский жестовый язык (РЖЯ)
- Script
- None (signed language); fingerspelling and written texts use the local alphabet
- Direction
- Signed (visual-spatial)
- ISO 639-3
rsl
Russian Sign Language has its own grammar and a long history, with nineteenth-century influence from French and Austrian Deaf education. During the Soviet period it spread through Deaf schools and Deaf organisations, which is why Deaf people from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, the Caucasus and Central Asia often know it, alongside local signs. Ukrainian Sign Language is closely related but now treated as a separate language.
The Russian federal law on social protection of persons with disabilities recognises Russian Sign Language as the language of communication where spoken Russian is used, including for interpreting in public services. A national Deaf society represents the community.
- Main areas: Russia
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How we help
Russian 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®
Russian Sign Language interpreters and signed video from SILA Linguists®
Russian Sign Language has its own grammar and a long history, with nineteenth-century influence from French and Austrian Deaf education. During the Soviet period it spread through Deaf schools and Deaf community organisations, which is why Deaf people from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, the Caucasus and Central Asia often know it alongside local signs. Russian federal law recognises it as the language of communication where spoken Russian is used. SILA Linguists® arranges Russian Sign Language interpreters, signed video and captions for immigration and asylum teams, hospitals, courts, police and employers.
Interpreting for Deaf people from across the former Soviet Union
Because many Deaf people from the region learned Russian Sign Language at school, it can be a practical choice for clients from several countries, but we always confirm with the person, particularly with Ukrainian Deaf people, who may prefer Ukrainian Sign Language. Tell us where the Deaf person grew up and went to school so we can anticipate regional signs.
We provide Russian Sign Language interpreting on site and by video for immigration and asylum interviews, hospital and GP appointments, police interviews and court hearings, and employment matters. For asylum and legal appointments, a Deaf interpreter working with a hearing interpreter helps where the person's signing has strong local features or their schooling was limited. Long sessions are covered by two interpreters.
Older Deaf people may use signs associated with the Deaf schools, clubs and workplaces of the Soviet period, while younger signers mix in newer vocabulary. Our interpreters are familiar with both, and they adapt their signing to the person in front of them.
Written Russian into signed video
Immigration guidance, patient information, rights leaflets and job documents written in Russian or English are recorded in Russian Sign Language by Deaf translators, and signed Russian footage can be written up in Russian or English. Certificates from Russia and other post-Soviet states are certified by our Russian translators.
Organisations supporting Deaf people from several former Soviet states can sometimes use one Russian Sign Language video, with local versions added where needed, and we advise on the best approach.
Russian captions and session transcripts
Russian or English captions can be added to videos and recorded meetings, and every caption file is proofread.
Transcripts of asylum and legal sessions note where clarification was needed.
Settings for our linguists in Russian Sign Language
Our vetted, trained and qualified Russian Sign Language interpreters can support immigration and asylum services, healthcare providers, courts and police, and employers. All Russian Sign Language work runs through one SILA Linguists® coordinator, interpreters are vetted, and Deaf clients from the region are protected by non-disclosure agreements and UK GDPR.
Good to know
Working with Russian Sign Language
Interpreting
- We provide Russian Sign Language interpreting on site and by video. Because many Deaf people from the region learned Russian Sign Language at school, it can be a practical choice for clients from several countries, but always confirm with the person, particularly with Ukrainian Deaf people who may prefer Ukrainian Sign Language.
- For asylum and legal matters, a Deaf relay helps with clients whose signing includes strong local variation or who had limited schooling.
Translation
- Russian documents are handled by our Russian certified translation service. Written material can be translated into filmed Russian Sign Language with Russian subtitles.
Related languages
Russian 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 Russian Sign Language is often needed
- Immigration and asylum
- Healthcare
- Courts and police
- Employment
Explore more sign languages or see all languages A to Z.
Get in touch
Need a Russian 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.