About the role

Libyan Arabic varies between the west (Tripolitania), the east (Cyrenaica) and the south (Fezzan), and contains loanwords from Italian, Turkish and Amazigh. Eastern Libyan speech is closer to Egyptian Arabic, while western speech shares features with Tunisian. The people you interpret for may include students, patients receiving treatment, families and asylum seekers.

Assignments include hospital and specialist medical appointments, university and school matters, immigration and asylum interviews, and solicitor meetings. Translators work on Libyan certificates, medical reports and academic records in Standard Arabic.

What you will do

Interpret in Libyan Arabic for clients from Tripoli, Benghazi, Fezzan and elsewhere, adjusting to each regional variety.
Translate Libyan medical, academic and civil documents from Arabic into 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.
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 Libyan Arabic 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.
Experience of medical interpreting is an advantage; Tamazight (Nafusi) is 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.

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

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

Is there medical work for Libyan Arabic interpreters?

Yes. Medical and specialist hospital appointments are among the most common bookings.

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 Libyan Arabic Interpreter and Translator