Freelance Tigrinya Interpreter and Translator

About the role

Tigrinya is spoken in Eritrea and in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and is written in the Ge'ez (Ethiopic) script. Eritrean and Tigrayan speakers differ in some vocabulary and pronunciation, and political sensitivities mean impartiality is essential. Many clients also speak Amharic or Arabic, and some speak Tigre or Saho.

Assignments take place in immigration and asylum interviews, children's services for unaccompanied young people, health and mental health care and court hearings. Translators work on identity documents and evidence in Ge'ez script.

What you will do

• Interpret for Eritrean and Tigrayan clients with strict neutrality on political and community matters.
• Translate Tigrinya documents written in Ge'ez script into accurate 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.
• Translate and proofread documents carefully, querying unclear source text rather than guessing.
• 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 Tigrinya 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.
• Amharic or Arabic 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.

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

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