Freelance Igbo Interpreter and Translator
We are looking for freelance Igbo interpreters and translators for healthcare, legal, immigration and family assignments. Interpreters who also speak Nigerian Pidgin are welcome.
- Type Freelance (self-employed)
- Work Remote (video and telephone) and on-site
- Where United Kingdom
About the role
Igbo is spoken mainly in south-eastern Nigeria and has many regional dialects. Interpreters generally use Standard Igbo but should understand regional speech, and many clients also use Nigerian Pidgin or English. Igbo is a tonal language, and tone marks matter in written translation.
Requests include GP and hospital appointments, mental health services, family courts, immigration solicitors and police interviews.
What you will do
- Interpret for Igbo speakers in health, family and legal settings, checking understanding of complex terms.
- Translate written material into Standard Igbo, using tone marks where the client requires them.
- 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 Igbo recordings for legal, research and media clients, if this work interests you.
What we are looking for
- Full professional fluency in both Igbo and English.
- Relevant qualifications such as the DPSI, DPI or a translation degree, or equivalent professional experience; CIOL, ITI or NRPSI membership is welcome.
- Nigerian Pidgin or Yoruba 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.
Igbo 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 Igbo linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Igbo:
- Igbo 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.
- Igbo translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
- Certified Igbo translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
- Igbo 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
Do Igbo clients also speak English?
Many do, but they may prefer Igbo for medical, legal or emotional matters, where precise understanding is essential.
Do I need the DPSI to apply?
No. The DPSI or a similar qualification is welcome, and some clients require it for legal or police work, but it is not mandatory for every assignment.