Mandaic interpreting and translation

Interpreting for Mandaean clients and families

Neo-Mandaic is related to Syriac and to the Neo-Aramaic of Assyrian and Chaldean Christians, but it has developed separately for centuries, and speakers of those languages cannot rely on understanding it. In Iraq most Mandaeans speak Arabic as their first language, and in Iran many use Farsi or Arabic every day, so for most official appointments we provide an Iraqi Arabic or Farsi interpreter.

Neo-Mandaic interpreting is usually requested for older family members from Khuzestan, for community and family matters, for elderly care and for research. Because the community is spread across several continents, video interpreting on the SILA Linguists® app or your platform and telephone interpreting at any hour are the most practical routes, and relay through Farsi or Arabic can be arranged with the client's agreement. Face-to-face sessions are arranged where possible, and gender preferences are respected.

Documents and the Mandaic script

Mandaeans' personal documents are issued in Arabic or Farsi, so certified translation is from those languages; each certified version is signed and dated as accurate, accepted by UK authorities such as courts and universities. Arabic or Farsi records bound for the United States, Canada or Australia are certified to their rules, including NAATI-certified translation for Australia. The community has its own alphabet, the Mandaic script, which some members use to write the spoken language, while researchers use Latin transcription. We agree the convention with you before starting any Neo-Mandaic text.

Transcription of family histories and interviews

Because Neo-Mandaic is endangered and passed on mainly within families, recordings matter. We transcribe and translate recorded interviews, family histories and community material, with timings, Arabic or Farsi passages tagged and an English version alongside. Where a Mandaean asylum claim depends on origin, SILA Linguists® can also arrange LADO.

Sectors we support in Neo-Mandaic

Our vetted, trained and qualified Neo-Mandaic linguists can support asylum and immigration representatives, healthcare and elderly care providers, families and community organisations, and oral history and research projects. One coordinating team handles each request, linguists are vetted and sign non-disclosure agreements, and every recording is held under UK GDPR. We treat religious terms and community sensitivities with care. Mandaic interpreting is available for resettlement, health and legal appointments in the United States, Canada and Australia, by video or in person.