About the role

Tigre (Tigré) is spoken in the western lowlands, northern highlands and coast of Eritrea, and in eastern Sudan. It is a Semitic language related to Tigrinya, but the two are distinct and not fully intelligible. Many Tigre speakers also speak Arabic or Tigrinya. Tigre is written in Ge'ez script, though written use is limited.

Assignments include asylum interviews, tribunal hearings, solicitor meetings, health appointments and community services. Precision with names, places and dates is especially important in asylum cases.

What you will do

Interpret between English and Tigre, and tell us early if a client would be better served in Tigrinya or Arabic.
Translate Tigre statements and messages, and Arabic or Tigrinya documents where qualified.
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 Tigre and English.
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 Tigrinya is an advantage.
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.

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

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

No. They are related but separate languages. We recruit for both; please apply for the one you speak, or both if you speak both.

Is this a freelance role?

Yes. This is freelance (self-employed) work, so you choose which assignments to accept.

Apply for this role

Freelance Tigre Interpreter and Translator