By The Jeenie Team
Contributing Author: Zohreh Mohamadi
Choosing the right interpreting service can seem complicated, but for languages like Farsi (Persian), it can feel especially overwhelming. Finding a qualified Farsi interpreter or Farsi translator is very different from finding an interpreter or translator for more common languages like Spanish or Portuguese.
Not only are there fewer interpreters in general due to the rarity of the language, there are also fewer resources to help you find them. This intro guide shares everything you need to get started finding the right Farsi interpreting service.
Iran is situated within the Middle Eastern region, sharing its borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan to the north, and Kazakhstan and Russia to the immediate north. Additionally, Iran is bordered by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to the south, Iraq to the west, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, and, finally, Turkey to the northwest.
With roots reaching back several millennia, the Iranian civilization has evolved throughout various eras under the influence of major civilizations including the Elamite, Median, Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian empires, as well as notable dynasties such as the Seljuks, Safavids and Qajars. One of the most well-known Iranian literary works named “Shahnameh” (The Epic of the Persian Kings), which was authored by Ferdowsi and portrays the history and culture of Iran, consists of numerous poems about the kings that ruled Iran in the course of history.
Iranian culture, renowned for its richness, also enjoys global recognition. Similar to Iranian culture–which has been shaped by the cultural exchange among the Iranians, Arabs, Turks, and other nations, as well as the poetry and prose penned by authors such as Ferdowsi, Hafez, Khayyam, and Rumi–the Farsi (Persian) language has evolved from its ancient Avestan form and continues to serve as a vital means of communication. Consequently, despite its lexical richness, Farsi has borrowed many words from languages such as French and English, while also contributing to the vocabulary of other languages. For example, Farsi has borrowed loanwords such as “Merci”, “Buffet”, “Train”, “Garage”, and “Restaurant” from French, while it has contributed words such as “Caviar”, “Caravansérail”, and “Bazar” to the French language.
As a Proto-Indo-Iranian language, Farsi (Persian) is the official language of Iran, and it is globally spoken by about 130 million people residing in Iran, as well as in other countries such as Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Oman, and Uzbekistan. In Iran, various Persian dialects are spoken, including Tehrani (i.e. the standard dialect), Shirazi, Luri, and Khorasani dialects. These various dialects incorporate different phonologies and lexicons, yet all Iranians, regardless of their dialects and ethnicities, share similar cultural values such as hospitality and warmth.
It is, in point of fact, impossible to talk about Iranians’ culture and identity without referring to their hospitality and the emphasis they put on showing kindness and respect to others. By dint of hospitality and respect, Persians attempt to bridge the gaps in society by building trust and creating a sense of community and belonging. In this regard, “Taarof”, as one of the outstanding subtleties of Iranian culture, is a concept that is often unknown to people who are not familiar with Iranian culture. “Taarof” can be described as the act of insistently offering something (e.g. assistance, food, or service) to another person (e.g. a guest or a friend) in a social situation to show one’s politeness, kindness, and good intentions. Furthermore, Persian speakers incorporate body language into their communication to convey their message and intent. For instance, a Persian speaker may put their hand over their heart and bow their head to a slight degree as they greet another to show their genuine respect.
There is an undeniably deep bond between the Iranian language and culture. Iranians use the Persian language to express and promote their cultural values such as hospitality, politeness, and respect and share the pearls of wisdom that are the fruit of their ancient civilizations, as well as their rich poetry, literature, and traditions.
As mentioned, besides Iran, Farsi is spoken in countries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan by the locals. However, communities of Iranian immigrants can be found in countries across the globe including the United States, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Canada, and Australia. Many Iranians living abroad or traveling to foreign countries require language assistance to effectively communicate with non-Farsi speakers. This highlights the necessity for proficient Farsi interpreters, who possess deep knowledge and understanding, not only of the Iranian culture and customs, but also of the lexicons, semantics, grammar and syntax of the Persian language.
The use of a skilled Persian interpreter is essential for accurately conveying the message from the Farsi speaker to the non-Farsi speaker and vice versa. In addition, a Farsi (Persian) interpreter must be aware of the specialized terminologies used by specialists and experts in various settings such as the medical, legal and business industries. In these settings, Farsi speakers may need language assistance to be able to exercise their rights, obtain the services they require, and avoid the negative consequences of unfaithful translation and miscommunication. The Farsi interpreter has to be fluent in the target language, as well as Farsi (Persian), and must ensure the accurate translation of the technical terms, words, and messages exchanged between the Persian speaker and the non-Persian speaker.
Moreover, the Farsi interpreter must approach sensitive topics of discussion with impartiality and respect. For instance, given that most Iranians are Muslims, a qualified Farsi interpreter should demonstrate respect for Iranians’ religious practices and rituals when providing interpretation services to these individuals. Furthermore, as mentioned, multiple ethnicities form the Iranian population, and topics related to the ethnic minorities are among the examples of sensitive topics of discussion, which should be taken into account by a culturally competent and qualified Farsi interpreter. These interpreters will serve to accurately convey the Farsi speaker’s message and intent while maintaining impartiality.
Technology is currently changing the way Farsi to English and English to Farsi interpreting is done. Video remote interpreting is becoming more prevalent in today’s society, opening the doors for interpreters and those who need interpreting access across the globe.
With remote interpreting solutions, interpreters can provide services through audio and video conferencing without being physically present. Video remote interpreting platforms like Jeenie have a mobile app and allow interpreters to work from anywhere in the world. More importantly, they enable those in need of interpreting to access an interpreter whenever they are needed.
Remote interpreting solutions are also more cost effective, more convenient, more efficient, and more easily accessible (meaning it can be easier to find native professional interpreters in any language, including rare and indigenous languages like Farsi).
Now that you understand the importance of utilizing Farsi interpreters to bridge communication gaps, what steps should you take next?
Begin by assessing your specific interpreting needs. Consider the advantages of remote interpreting compared to in-person sessions, particularly concerning the Farsi language. Determine the appropriate modality: Will audio suffice? Or is video necessary? Do you require 24/7 access to interpreters? Or are standard business hours sufficient?
You can tailor your search based on your unique requirements; however, certain key factors should guide your decision-making process when selecting Farsi interpreters:
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting Farsi interpreters for your communication needs.
In essence, selecting the ideal interpreter service demands a thorough evaluation of your specific needs alongside your financial constraints to identify the most suitable pricing model. Nevertheless, certain non-negotiable aspects such as interpreter credentials, adherence to professional standards, technological proficiency, privacy safeguards, and a reputable track record should never be compromised.
By conscientiously considering these criteria during your quest for Farsi interpreters, you can rest assured of securing top-tier service quality at a competitive rate. Equipped with the right interpreter or translator, your interactions with Farsi speakers will undoubtedly yield greater productivity and efficacy!
Zohreh Mohamadi is a professional Farsi/English interpreter and a published translator with over 16 years of experience in the industry. She studied English Language and Literature at the university. Her passionate love for interpreting sprouted the first moment she started interpreting for individuals who needed assistance to break through the language barriers in a foreign country and receive the support and kindness they needed. She enjoys watching top American and British stand-up comedy shows, going out for a jog with her dog, and hanging out with her family and friends to recharge
Become a Jeenie Interpreter!
Your language skills can help people around the world overcome language barriers.
Tell us a bit about yourself…
