About the role

Wolof is the main lingua franca of Senegal and is widely spoken in The Gambia and southern Mauritania. Senegalese Wolof, especially urban Dakar Wolof, mixes freely with French, while Gambian Wolof borrows more from English, so we match interpreters to the client's background wherever possible.

Assignments include immigration and asylum interviews, solicitor appointments, healthcare, and police and court settings. Translation is often from French or English documents, as Wolof is used mainly in speech, although some letters and messages are written in Latin-script Wolof.

What you will do

Interpret between English and Wolof for Senegalese, Gambian and Mauritanian clients, noting which variety each speaks.
Translate Wolof messages and statements into English, and help with French documents where you are qualified.
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 Wolof 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.
French, Pulaar, Mandinka or Serer 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.

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

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

Both. Tell us which you speak most naturally and whether you can follow the other.

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.

Apply for this role

Freelance Wolof Interpreter and Translator