Sign language interpreting
On-site and video interpreting for appointments, meetings and events.
Sign languages · sign language
Slovenian Sign Language interpreting
Slovenski znakovni jezik (SZJ), Slovenian Sign Language, is the language of the Deaf community in Slovenia and is named in the Slovenian Constitution.
Slovenski znakovni jezik (SZJ)
- Script
- None (signed language); fingerspelling and written texts use the local alphabet
- Direction
- Signed (visual-spatial)
Slovenian Sign Language shares history with the sign languages of the former Yugoslavia and also shows contact with Austrian Sign Language. It has its own vocabulary and is recognised as Slovenia's national sign language. It is a language in its own right.
The Act on the Use of Slovenian Sign Language gives Deaf people the right to use SZJ and to interpreting in public settings, and a constitutional amendment (Article 62a) recognises the free use and development of Slovenian Sign Language. A national association of Deaf and hard of hearing societies represents the community.
- Main areas: Slovenia
Communities abroad are not shown. Point to an area to see its name.
How we help
Slovenian 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®
Slovenian Sign Language (SZJ) interpreters by video and in person with SILA Linguists®
Slovenski znakovni jezik, SZJ, shares history with the sign languages of the former Yugoslavia and shows contact with Austrian Sign Language, with its own vocabulary. Slovenian law gives Deaf people the right to use SZJ and to interpreting in public settings, and the Slovenian Constitution protects its use and development. SILA Linguists® arranges SZJ interpreting, signed video and captions for hospitals, lawyers, employers and schools, in Slovenia and wherever Slovenian Deaf people study, work or receive care.
Reaching SZJ interpreters from abroad
Nearly all SZJ interpreters are based in Slovenia, so video remote interpreting is often the practical option abroad, whether for a consultation in a Graz or Munich hospital, a university meeting or an employment interview. When you book, tell us the setting and expected length, as long or technical assignments need two interpreters working in turns.
Deaf Slovenians may understand some Croatian signs, but SZJ should be the first choice, and we only suggest an alternative if the Deaf person agrees. On-site interpreting in Slovenia covers hospitals and clinics, legal meetings, workplaces and schools. Many interpreters work closely with the regional Deaf societies.
Because the Slovenian Deaf community is small, Deaf clients may know interpreters personally, and some prefer someone from outside their home region for sensitive matters. We ask about this discreetly and, where possible, offer a choice. For Deafblind clients, we ask at booking which communication method they use, so we can provide an interpreter trained in tactile or other adapted signing.
Turning Slovenian texts into SZJ video
Health instructions, legal notices, employment papers and course information in Slovenian or English are recorded in SZJ by Deaf translators, and signed SZJ clips can be written up in Slovenian or English. Slovenian certificates are certified by our Slovenian translators.
Since SZJ gained constitutional protection, public bodies have more reason than ever to publish signed information, and we help them choose the texts that matter most.
Captions in Slovenian and English
Slovenian or English captions and written transcripts can be produced for videos, webinars and recorded meetings, each file checked by a person before delivery.
For live events and online meetings, we can show the SZJ interpreter in a separate window and add real-time Slovenian or English captions, so Deaf signers and hard of hearing participants who do not sign can follow together. Recordings can then be published with captions.
Where we can help in SZJ
Our vetted, trained and qualified SZJ interpreters can support healthcare providers, legal practitioners, employers and schools. A single SILA Linguists® coordinator handles each request, interpreters are vetted, and Slovenian Deaf clients' personal details remain confidential under non-disclosure agreements and UK GDPR.
Good to know
Working with Slovenian Sign Language
Interpreting
- We provide SZJ interpreting; nearly all SZJ interpreters are based in Slovenia. Video remote interpreting is often the practical option abroad. Tell us the setting and expected length when you book, as long or technical assignments need two interpreters working in turns.
- Deaf Slovenians may understand some Croatian signs, but SZJ should be the first choice.
- For hospital appointments or legal proceedings abroad, combine a video SZJ interpreter with the local service where possible and allow extra time. Slovenian Deaf people often read Slovenian well, but complex legal or medical texts should still be interpreted into sign.
Translation
- Slovenian documents are handled by our Slovenian translation team. We also provide filmed SZJ translations.
Related languages
Slovenian 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.
Slovenian Sign LanguageCroatian Sign LanguageRelatedSerbian Sign LanguageRelatedAustrian Sign LanguageRelated
Where Slovenian Sign Language is often needed
- Healthcare
- Legal matters
- Employment
- Education
Explore more sign languages or see all languages A to Z.
Get in touch
Need a Slovenian 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.