About the role

Cantonese is the main Chinese language of Hong Kong and parts of Guangdong, and of many long-established Chinese families in the UK. The community has grown with recent arrivals from Hong Kong, many of them families with school-age children. Written work for Hong Kong clients usually needs Traditional Chinese characters, and some older clients also speak Hakka.

Work includes GP and hospital appointments, care for older Cantonese speakers, schools, housing, legal matters and business meetings. Translators handle certificates, educational and medical records, and commercial documents.

What you will do

Interpret for Cantonese speakers, including older clients who may have limited literacy in Chinese or English.
Translate documents in Traditional Chinese, or Simplified Chinese when the client requests it.
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 Cantonese 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.
Strong written Chinese in Traditional characters; Mandarin or Hakka 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.

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

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

We recruit for both separately. Many Hong Kong clients prefer Cantonese, so please tell us every Chinese language you speak fluently.

How do I apply?

Use the application form on this page. Tell us your languages, dialects, qualifications and the type of work you are interested in.

Apply for this role

Freelance Cantonese Interpreter and Translator