About the role

Tamil speakers in the UK come mainly from Sri Lanka and from Tamil Nadu in India, and the two communities differ in vocabulary, accent and some formal terms. Many Sri Lankan Tamil clients have experience of conflict and displacement, so assignments in immigration and mental health settings call for a calm and careful approach.

Assignments take place in immigration matters, tribunal hearings, mental health services, GP practices, schools and local authority settings. Translators work on identity documents, medical evidence, legal statements and community information in Tamil script.

What you will do

Interpret for Sri Lankan and Indian Tamil speakers, noting regional terms that could cause confusion.
Translate asylum and immigration evidence with complete accuracy, including names and place names.
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.
Check every translation against the source before delivery and meet agreed deadlines.
Take on-site assignments at hospitals, courts, offices and other venues, and remote sessions by video or telephone.
Take on transcription and translation of Tamil recordings for legal, research and media clients, if this work interests you.

What we are looking for

Full professional fluency in both Tamil and English.
Relevant qualifications such as the DPSI, DPI or a translation degree, or equivalent professional experience; CIOL, ITI or NRPSI membership is welcome.
Familiarity with both Sri Lankan and Indian Tamil usage.
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.

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

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

Both, though many legal and immigration bookings involve Sri Lankan Tamil speakers. Tell us which variety you speak natively.

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 Tamil Interpreter and Translator