Sign language interpreting
On-site and video interpreting for appointments, meetings and events.
Sign languages · sign language
Spanish Sign Language (LSE) interpreting and translation
Lengua de Signos Española (LSE) is the sign language of most Deaf people in Spain, recognised by Spanish law alongside Catalan Sign Language.
Lengua de Signos Española (LSE)
- Script
- None (signed language); fingerspelling and written texts use the local alphabet
- Direction
- Signed (visual-spatial)
- ISO 639-3
ssp
LSE is a natural language with its own grammar and is not a signed form of Spanish. It is distinct from the sign languages of Latin America, such as Mexican or Guatemalan Sign Language, even though the spoken language is shared. In Catalonia the Deaf community uses Catalan Sign Language (LSC), and Valencia has a variety with its own features. Spain has a notable place in Deaf history: some of the earliest known education of Deaf children took place there in the sixteenth century.
Spanish national law recognises the Spanish sign languages (LSE and LSC) and regulates support for oral communication for Deaf, hard of hearing and Deafblind people. The Centro de Normalización Lingüística de la Lengua de Signos Española (CNLSE) promotes the language, and the Confederación Estatal de Personas Sordas (CNSE) represents the Deaf community.
- Main areas: Spain
Communities abroad are not shown. Point to an area to see its name.
How we help
Spanish 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®
Spanish Sign Language (LSE) interpreters and LSE video from SILA Linguists®
Lengua de signos española, LSE, is a natural language with its own grammar, not signed Spanish, and it is distinct from Latin American sign languages such as Mexican or Guatemalan Sign Language despite the shared spoken language. Catalonia uses Catalan Sign Language, and Valencia has a variety with its own features. Spain holds a notable place in Deaf history, and Spanish law recognises LSE and LSC. SILA Linguists® arranges LSE interpreting, signed video and captions for hospitals, courts, police, universities, employers and cultural events in Spain and beyond.
LSE interpreting face to face, by video and at events
Spanish interpreters typically hold a higher vocational qualification or a university degree in LSE interpreting, and team interpreting is standard for long sessions. We provide LSE interpreters at hospital and health centre appointments, court hearings and police stations, universities and schools, workplace meetings, and tourism and cultural events such as guided tours, theatre and festivals, as well as by video remote interpreting for shorter appointments.
Do not book an LSE interpreter for a Deaf person from Latin America without checking: their sign language is likely to be different, and we can arrange the right one. In Catalonia, ask whether the person uses LSC, and in Valencia, mention it so we can match local signs. A Deaf interpreter can join the team in legal and mental health settings.
Written Spanish into LSE video
Deaf translators record LSE versions of patient leaflets, court information, university regulations, visitor guides and web content written in Spanish or English, and signed LSE footage can be written up in Spanish or English. Spanish civil and academic certificates are certified by our Spanish translators.
Our translators follow established LSE vocabulary so that videos are understood across Spain.
Spanish captions and subtitles
Spanish or English captions and subtitles can be added to films, webinars and recorded events, and written transcripts show both signing and speech, proofread by a person.
Spain's pioneering role in Deaf education, with some of the earliest known teaching of Deaf children in the sixteenth century, is a reminder that LSE has deep roots; our captions and videos treat it as the full language it is.
Settings for our linguists in LSE
Our vetted, trained and qualified LSE interpreters can support healthcare providers, courts and police, schools and universities, employers, and tourism and cultural organisations. One SILA Linguists® coordinator handles every request, interpreters and Deaf translators are vetted, and Spanish Deaf clients' privacy is protected under non-disclosure agreements and UK GDPR.
Good to know
Working with Spanish Sign Language
Interpreting
- SILA provides LSE interpreting face to face, by video remote interpreting and for events. Spanish interpreters typically hold a higher vocational qualification or a university degree in LSE interpreting. Team interpreting is standard for long sessions.
- Do not book an LSE interpreter for a Deaf person from Latin America without checking: their sign language is likely to be different. In Catalonia, ask whether the person uses LSC.
- Deaf interpreters (intérpretes sordos) and International Sign are used at international events in Spain.
Translation
- Written Spanish can be translated into filmed LSE for websites, public information and healthcare, preferably by Deaf translators, with Spanish subtitles for the Deaf and hard of hearing (subtitulado para personas sordas). Our Spanish team handles certified document translation.
Related languages
Spanish 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 Spanish Sign Language is often needed
- Healthcare
- Courts and police
- Education and universities
- Employment
- Tourism and cultural events
Explore more sign languages or see all languages A to Z.
Get in touch
Need a Spanish 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.