Fur interpreting and translation

Fur interpreting, from Jebel Marra to the tribunal

Fur speakers who have lived in towns, studied or worked usually also speak Sudanese Arabic. People who grew up in villages around Jebel Marra, or who were displaced as children into camps, may know far less Arabic than an interviewer assumes, and a short language check at the first meeting saves trouble later. For asylum interviews, appeals and therapy sessions, a Fur interpreter is the safest choice.

Place names carry great weight in Darfur asylum claims. Fur villages often have both a Fur and an Arabic name, and a client may switch between them; our interpreters recognise both and keep the record consistent. We provide Fur interpreting face to face, by telephone at any time of the day or night, and by video through the SILA Linguists® video app or the software you normally use for calls. Relay through Arabic can be arranged if the client prefers, and an interpreter of the client's preferred gender can be requested for therapy, primary care and family support.

Fur texts, audio and certified Sudanese documents

Fur has a modest written tradition: a Latin-based orthography is used in literacy materials, and Arabic script has also been used. For health advice, school information or appointment letters, recorded audio in Fur often serves families better than print, and we can produce it. Statements given in Fur are translated into English with care over names and dates.

Most Sudanese identity, school and court papers are issued in Arabic. Our certified English translations, signed to confirm accuracy, are accepted by UK authorities such as the Home Office, courts and universities, and by employers, and we transliterate names to match the client's existing documents.

Transcription, LADO and nationality assessment

Fur interviews, therapy-related recordings and audio evidence are transcribed with time codes and translated into English, with Arabic passages identified. SILA Linguists® also offers language analysis to determine origin (LADO) and nationality assessment for applicants who say they come from Darfur.

Sectors we support in Fur

Our vetted, trained and qualified Fur linguists can support asylum caseworkers, legal aid solicitors and tribunals, hospitals and primary care, psychological therapy services, schools and family support teams. You keep one coordinator throughout, every linguist is vetted, and personal accounts are protected by NDAs and UK GDPR.