Freelance Shona Interpreter and Translator
We are recruiting freelance Shona interpreters and translators for healthcare, social care, legal and immigration work, by telephone, video or in person.
- Type Freelance (self-employed)
- Work Remote (video and telephone) and on-site
- Where United Kingdom
About the role
Shona is one of the main languages of Zimbabwe, with main dialects including Zezuru, Karanga, Manyika and Korekore. Zimbabwean communities are well established in the UK, and many Zimbabweans work in health and social care. Most clients speak English well, but older relatives and people in distress often need an interpreter.
Assignments include GP and hospital care, mental health services, dementia care, solicitor appointments, immigration matters and family court. Translators work on Zimbabwean certificates and personal statements.
What you will do
- Interpret between English and Shona, adapting to Zezuru, Karanga, Manyika and other dialects.
- Translate Shona letters, statements and Zimbabwean documents into English.
- Follow professional standards of accuracy, impartiality and confidentiality on every assignment.
- Prepare for each booking by reviewing the brief and researching specialist terminology in advance.
- Take on-site assignments at hospitals, courts, offices and other venues, and remote sessions by video or telephone.
- Take on transcription and translation of Shona recordings for legal, research and media clients, if this work interests you.
What we are looking for
- Native or near-native fluency in Shona and English, spoken and written.
- Relevant qualifications such as the DPSI, DPI or a translation degree, or equivalent professional experience; CIOL, ITI or NRPSI membership is welcome.
- isiNdebele is an advantage.
- Willingness to undergo a DBS check, which is required for some assignments, such as those involving children or vulnerable adults.
- For on-site work in the UK, the right to work in the UK.
- Reliable internet access and suitable equipment (computer or phone with headset) for video and telephone work.
What we offer
- Freelance flexibility, accepting work when it suits you.
- Remote and on-site assignments.
- Fair pay that reflects your skills and time.
- Support from our operations team.
- Assignments across sectors, including healthcare, legal and public services.
Shona 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 Shona linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Shona:
- Shona 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.
- Shona translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
- Certified Shona translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
- Shona 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 also need isiNdebele interpreters?
Yes. If you speak isiNdebele as well as Shona, include it in your application.
Can I work remotely?
Yes. Many assignments are delivered by video or telephone, and on-site work in the UK is also available.