About the role

Sorani (Central Kurdish) is spoken in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, around Sulaymaniyah and Erbil, and in Iranian Kurdistan, around Sanandaj and Mahabad. It is written in a modified Arabic script. Speech from Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and the Iranian side differs in vocabulary and pronunciation, and speakers from Iranian Kurdistan usually also know Farsi from school and official life.

Sorani is among the most requested languages in asylum and immigration work. Assignments also include solicitor appointments, tribunal hearings, police interviews, NHS and mental health care, and housing and benefits meetings.

What you will do

Interpret in Sorani for clients from Iraqi and Iranian Kurdistan, checking any regional word you are unsure of.
Translate Sorani documents and messages written in Arabic-based script, and transliterate names consistently.
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 Sorani 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.
Arabic or Farsi is an advantage; Badini or Kurmanji is also welcome.
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 Sorani 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 Sorani linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Kurdish Sorani:

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

Can I apply for more than one Kurdish vacancy?

Apply once and list every Kurdish variety you speak fluently. We will match you to Sorani, Kurmanji or Badini work accordingly.

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 Kurdish Sorani Interpreter and Translator