About the role

Farsi is the main language of Iran and is closely related to Dari in Afghanistan and Tajik in Tajikistan. Interpreters should understand Iranian Farsi fully and be aware of Dari vocabulary and pronunciation, since some clients use a mix. Many Iranian clients also speak Azerbaijani Turkish or Kurdish.

Assignments take place in immigration and asylum interviews, solicitor appointments, tribunal hearings, mental health care, GP practices and local authority services. Translators work on identity documents, court papers and religious or political evidence that needs exact rendering.

What you will do

Interpret in asylum, tribunal and mental health settings with neutrality and care.
Translate Farsi documents, including handwritten material, and note anything illegible rather than guessing.
Follow professional standards of accuracy, impartiality and confidentiality on every assignment.
Prepare for each booking by reviewing the brief and researching specialist terminology in advance.
Check every translation against the source before delivery and meet agreed deadlines.
Take on-site assignments at hospitals, courts, offices and other venues, and remote sessions by video or telephone.
Take on transcription and translation of Farsi recordings for legal, research and media clients, if this work interests you.

What we are looking for

Full professional fluency in both Farsi and English.
Relevant qualifications such as the DPSI, DPI or a translation degree, or equivalent professional experience; CIOL, ITI or NRPSI membership is welcome.
Awareness of Dari, Azerbaijani Turkish or Kurdish is an advantage.
Willingness to undergo a DBS check, which is required for some assignments, such as those involving children or vulnerable adults.
For on-site work in the UK, the right to work in the UK.
Reliable internet access and suitable equipment (computer or phone with headset) for video and telephone work.

What we offer

Freelance flexibility, accepting work when it suits you.
Remote and on-site assignments.
Fair pay that reflects your skills and time.
Support from our operations team.
Assignments across sectors, including healthcare, legal and public services.

Farsi 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 Farsi linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Farsi:

Farsi 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.
Farsi translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
Certified Farsi translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
Farsi 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

Can Farsi interpreters work with Dari speakers?

Sometimes, but not always. Farsi and Dari are related, and clients often prefer an interpreter from their own variety. Tell us if you are fluent in Dari as well.

Do you need Farsi language analysts?

We work with experienced language analysts for some languages. If you have expertise in Farsi dialects, mention it when you apply.

Is this a freelance role?

Yes. This is freelance (self-employed) work, so you choose which assignments to accept.

Apply for this role

Freelance Farsi Interpreter and Translator