Freelance Kurdish (Sorani and Kurmanji) Interpreter and Translator

About the role

Kurdish is often listed as a single language, but in practice we match clients by dialect. Sorani is used mainly in Iraqi Kurdistan and western Iran and is written in an Arabic-based script; Kurmanji is used in Turkey, Syria and parts of Iraq, where it is known as Badini, and is usually written in Latin script in Turkey and Syria. Speakers of one dialect may struggle to follow the other, so please state exactly which you speak.

Assignments take place in immigration and asylum interviews, solicitor appointments, health and mental health care, local authority services and police interviews. Translators work on identity documents and evidence that may be in Kurdish, Arabic, Farsi or Turkish.

What you will do

• Interpret only in the Kurdish dialects you are fully fluent in, and tell the booking team at once if a client uses a different one.
• Translate Kurdish documents in Arabic-based or Latin script, as appropriate.
• 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.
• Attend video and telephone assignments from a quiet, private space with a reliable connection.
• 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 Kurdish 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.
• Fluency in Sorani, Kurmanji or Badini (please list each); Arabic, Farsi or Turkish 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.

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

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