Sign language interpreting
On-site and video interpreting for appointments, meetings and events.
Sign languages · sign language
Serbian Sign Language interpreting
Serbian Sign Language (српски знаковни језик / srpski znakovni jezik) is the language of the Deaf community in Serbia and is recognised by the Law on the Use of Sign Language.
Српски знаковни језик
- Script
- None (signed language); fingerspelling and written texts use the local alphabet
- Direction
- Signed (visual-spatial)
- ISO 639-3
ysl
Serbian Sign Language developed from the sign language used across the former Yugoslavia, and it remains close to the sign languages of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia. These are sometimes grouped together as Yugoslavian Sign Language, and how separate they are is still discussed within Deaf communities.
The National Assembly of Serbia adopted the Law on the Use of Sign Language after a drafting process in which the Deaf community's organisations argued for a linguistic rather than medical approach. The law covers interpreting, education and access to public services. A national union of Deaf and hard of hearing people represents the community. Fingerspelling follows the Serbian alphabet.
- Main areas: Serbia
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How we help
Serbian 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®
Serbian Sign Language interpreters and signed video from SILA Linguists®
Srpski znakovni jezik, Serbian Sign Language, developed from the sign language used across the former Yugoslavia and stays close to the signing of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia; how separate these languages are is still debated. Serbian law regulates the use of sign language and treats it as a language rather than a medical matter. SILA Linguists® arranges Serbian Sign Language interpreting, signed video and captions for immigration services, hospitals, lawyers and employers, in Serbia and among Serbian Deaf people abroad.
Serbian Sign Language interpreting, checked with the Deaf person
Interpreters from neighbouring countries may be understood, but we check with the Deaf person first, especially for legal work, where a misunderstood sign about dates, places or consent can have serious consequences. Most experienced Serbian Sign Language interpreters are based in Serbia, and video remote interpreting brings them to appointments in Vienna, Berlin, London or further afield.
For video appointments, we ask the Deaf person to sit in good light against a plain background so the interpreter can read their signing clearly, and we test the link beforehand. Typical bookings include immigration appointments, hospital and GP visits, meetings with lawyers and notaries, and workplace discussions. A Deaf relay is useful where the person's signing has strong local features or where they had little formal schooling, and long sessions are shared between two interpreters.
From written Serbian to signed Serbian video
Serbian legal and medical texts can be dense even for hearing readers. Our Deaf translators turn immigration guidance, patient information, contracts and workplace rules into clear recorded Serbian Sign Language, and signed Serbian footage can be written up in Serbian or English. Serbian birth, marriage and school certificates, in Cyrillic or Latin script, are certified by our Serbian translators.
For audiences across the former Yugoslavia, we advise whether one signed version will serve or whether Croatian, Bosnian or Macedonian versions are wiser.
Serbian captions and written records
Videos and recorded meetings can carry Serbian or English captions, and transcripts show what was signed and what was said, proofread by a person rather than left to software.
Sectors we support in Serbian Sign Language
Our vetted, trained and qualified Serbian Sign Language interpreters can support immigration services, healthcare providers, legal practitioners and employers. One SILA Linguists® coordinator manages every Serbian Sign Language booking, interpreters are vetted, and Deaf clients' details are protected by non-disclosure agreements and UK GDPR.
Good to know
Working with Serbian Sign Language
Interpreting
- We provide Serbian Sign Language interpreting on site and by video. Interpreters from neighbouring countries may be understood, but check with the Deaf person, especially for legal work. For video appointments, ask the Deaf person to sit in good light against a plain background so the interpreter can read their signing clearly.
- A Deaf relay is useful in asylum and court settings and for clients from rural areas or with limited schooling.
Translation
- Serbian documents, in Cyrillic or Latin script, are handled by our Serbian certified translation service. We also provide filmed signed translations.
Related languages
Serbian 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 Serbian Sign Language is often needed
- Immigration
- Healthcare
- Legal matters
- Employment
Explore more sign languages or see all languages A to Z.
Get in touch
Need a Serbian 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.