Freelance Nuer (Thok Naath) Interpreter and Translator

About the role

Nuer, called Thok Naath by its speakers, is a Nilotic language of South Sudan, spoken mainly in Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei states, and in the Gambella region of Ethiopia. It is a tonal language with distinctive vowel qualities, and it is written in a Latin-based alphabet used in schools and churches. Many clients also speak Juba Arabic, Dinka or English learned in refugee camps in Kenya or Ethiopia.

Work includes asylum interviews, solicitor meetings, tribunal hearings, mental health appointments and children's services. Interpreters often hear accounts of conflict and displacement, and need to stay accurate and impartial throughout.

What you will do

• Interpret between English and Nuer, checking place names, clan names and dates carefully, as these matter in asylum cases.
• Translate Nuer statements and letters written in the Latin-based Nuer alphabet into English.
• 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 Nuer and English.
• 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.
• Juba Arabic, Dinka or Amharic 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.

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

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