Freelance Dari Interpreter and Translator

About the role

Dari is the Afghan variety of Farsi and one of the two official languages of Afghanistan. It shares most of its grammar and script with Iranian Farsi, but everyday vocabulary, idioms and pronunciation differ, and many Afghan clients notice at once if an interpreter uses Iranian forms. Some clients speak Hazaragi or come from Pashto-speaking families, so interpreters who recognise these varieties are especially useful.

Afghan families arriving under resettlement schemes need help with housing, schools, GP registration, benefits and employment, and asylum and legal work continues alongside. Translators work on taskera identity documents, education certificates and medical records written in the Arabic-based script.

What you will do

• Interpret in Afghan Dari, using Afghan rather than Iranian vocabulary unless the client prefers otherwise.
• Translate Afghan civil documents, such as the taskera and school certificates, keeping names and dates consistent with Home Office records.
• Interpret accurately and impartially, following the professional code of conduct and keeping all information confidential.
• Research subject-specific vocabulary before assignments, particularly for medical and legal bookings.
• Work remotely by video or telephone, or on site at the client's premises, arriving prepared and on time.
• Transcribe and translate audio and video recordings, such as interviews and calls, if you have the skills for transcription work.

What we are looking for

• Native or near-native fluency in Dari and English, spoken and written.
• A recognised interpreting or translation qualification, such as the DPSI or DPI, or equivalent experience. Membership of CIOL, ITI or NRPSI is welcome but not required.
• Knowledge of Pashto, Hazaragi or Iranian Farsi is an advantage.
• A current DBS check, or willingness to obtain one, for assignments that require it.
• The right to work in the UK for on-site UK assignments.
• A dependable internet connection and a confidential space for remote interpreting.

What we offer

• Flexible freelance work that fits around your schedule.
• A mix of remote (video and telephone) and on-site assignments.
• Fair pay for your expertise and time.
• Professional development to keep your skills current.
• A supportive operations team to help with bookings and questions.
• Varied work across sectors, from healthcare and law to government and business.

Dari work with SILA Linguists®

SILA Linguists® is a language services company providing interpreting, translation and transcription across the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, in more than 350 languages and dialects. As a Dari linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Dari:

• Dari interpreting of every type: face-to-face, telephone (OPI) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, video (VRI) through the SILA Linguists® app or the client's platform, consecutive, simultaneous, conference and remote simultaneous (RSI), community and escort interpreting.
• Dari translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
• Certified Dari translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
• Dari transcription of audio and video recordings, with time stamps, translation of the transcript and subtitling.

Our vetted, trained and qualified linguists work in legal, police and court settings, immigration and asylum matters, NHS and private healthcare, social care, schools and universities, charities and business. Every assignment is covered by confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR.

Questions

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