About the role

Sudanese Arabic is the everyday language of most people in Sudan and is widely understood in South Sudan, where Juba Arabic is used. It differs from Egyptian and Levantine Arabic in vocabulary and pronunciation, and clients notice when an interpreter does not share it. Many clients from Darfur and Kordofan also speak Fur, Masalit, Zaghawa or other languages.

The conflict in Sudan has increased the need for Sudanese Arabic interpreters in asylum, legal, tribunal, health and council settings. Translators work on Sudanese civil documents and statements in Arabic script.

What you will do

Interpret in Sudanese Arabic, matching the client's speech and avoiding forms from other dialects that may confuse.
Translate Sudanese civil documents and handwritten statements from Arabic 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 Sudanese Arabic recordings for legal, research and media clients, if this work interests you.

What we are looking for

Native or near-native fluency in Sudanese Arabic 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.
Fur, Masalit, Zaghawa, Nubian or Juba Arabic 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.

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

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

Do you need speakers of Darfuri languages?

Yes. If you speak Fur, Masalit, Zaghawa or another language of Sudan, list it in your application.

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 Sudanese Arabic Interpreter and Translator