Sign language interpreting
On-site and video interpreting for appointments, meetings and events.
Sign languages · sign language
Ukrainian Sign Language interpreting
Українська жестова мова, Ukrainian Sign Language, is the language of the Deaf community in Ukraine and is now used by many Deaf Ukrainians living across Europe.
Українська жестова мова (УЖМ)
- Script
- None (signed language); fingerspelling and written texts use the local alphabet
- Direction
- Signed (visual-spatial)
- ISO 639-3
ukl
Ukrainian Sign Language shares much of its history with Russian Sign Language from the Soviet period of Deaf education, and the two remain closely related. The Ukrainian Deaf community treats it as a separate language, with its own vocabulary and ongoing dictionary and corpus work.
Ukrainian legislation refers to Ukrainian Sign Language in laws on the social protection and rights of persons with disabilities and in language legislation, which together are regarded as legal recognition. Deaf advocates have pointed out that implementation and access to interpreting remain limited. A national Deaf society represents the community and works with Deaf organisations across Europe.
- Main areas: Ukraine
Communities abroad are not shown. Point to an area to see its name.
How we help
Ukrainian 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®
Ukrainian Sign Language interpreters across Europe with SILA Linguists®
Ukrainian Sign Language shares much of its history with Russian Sign Language from Soviet-era Deaf education, but the Ukrainian Deaf community treats it as a separate language, with its own vocabulary. Ukrainian legislation refers to it in laws on disability rights and language. In recent years many Deaf Ukrainians have settled across Europe. SILA Linguists® arranges Ukrainian Sign Language interpreting, signed video and captions for temporary protection and immigration services, healthcare, schools, family support, employers and social services.
Interpreting for Deaf Ukrainians in their new countries
Video remote interpreting with an interpreter in Ukraine or elsewhere in Europe is often practical, and on-site interpreting can be arranged where an interpreter lives nearby. Typical bookings include temporary protection and residence appointments, GP and hospital visits, school meetings for Deaf children or Deaf parents, job centre and employer meetings, and social services assessments.
Some Deaf Ukrainians also know Russian Sign Language, but preferences vary and should be respected; we ask the person directly and never assume. A Deaf relay can help where someone is distressed, has had limited schooling or uses strong regional signs. Many Deaf Ukrainians are also learning the sign language of their host country, and as they do, we can combine interpreters so nothing is lost during the transition.
Ukrainian texts into signed video
Deaf translators record Ukrainian Sign Language versions of residence guidance, health information, school letters and employment documents written in Ukrainian or English, and signed Ukrainian footage can be written up in Ukrainian or English. Ukrainian birth, marriage and education certificates are certified by our Ukrainian translators.
Organisations supporting newly arrived families find short signed explanations of local services, rights and appointments especially useful, as Deaf adults can rewatch them at home.
Where a family includes both Deaf and hearing members, we can add Ukrainian captions and a voice-over to the same video, so everyone receives the message together.
Captions in Ukrainian and English
Ukrainian or English captions and transcripts can be produced for videos and recorded meetings, proofread by a person, so caseworkers and Deaf clients share the same record.
Where we can help in Ukrainian Sign Language
Our vetted, trained and qualified Ukrainian Sign Language interpreters can support temporary protection and immigration services, healthcare providers, schools and family support teams, employers and social services. One SILA Linguists® coordinator manages each request, interpreters are vetted, and Deaf Ukrainians' details are protected by non-disclosure agreements and UK GDPR.
Good to know
Working with Ukrainian Sign Language
Interpreting
- Since the full-scale war began, many Deaf Ukrainians have settled in other European countries. We provide Ukrainian Sign Language interpreting across Europe. Video remote interpreting with an interpreter in Ukraine or elsewhere in Europe is often practical.
- Some Deaf Ukrainians also know Russian Sign Language, but preferences vary and should be respected; ask the person which language they want. A Deaf relay helps in legal, asylum and medical settings, and for children and young people starting school in a new country.
Translation
- Ukrainian documents are handled by our Ukrainian certified translation service. Written information can be translated into filmed Ukrainian Sign Language with Ukrainian subtitles.
Related languages
Ukrainian 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 Ukrainian Sign Language is often needed
- Temporary protection and immigration
- Healthcare
- Schools and family support
- Employment
- Social services
Explore more sign languages or see all languages A to Z.
Get in touch
Need a Ukrainian 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.