Freelance Oromo (Afaan Oromoo) Interpreter and Translator

About the role

Afaan Oromoo is one of the main languages of Ethiopia and is also used in northern Kenya. It is written in the Latin-based Qubee alphabet, although older clients may have learned to read Amharic in Ge'ez script first. Regional varieties include Western (Wallaga), Eastern (Harar), Central (Shewa) and Borana, and accurate interpreting means recognising them and checking unfamiliar words.

Assignments include asylum interviews, solicitor appointments, tribunal hearings, mental health services and GP care. Clients often describe political events and detention, so interpreters need to be calm, precise and impartial when the subject matter is distressing.

What you will do

• Interpret in Afaan Oromoo for clients from different regions of Ethiopia and Kenya, checking regional terms rather than guessing.
• Translate Qubee-script statements and Ethiopian documents into English, cross-checking names written in Amharic script.
• 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 Afaan Oromoo 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.
• Good Amharic is an advantage, as many Ethiopian documents are in Amharic.
• 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.

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

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