Linguist/Transcriber - Chichewa/Nyanja - Remote

About The Opportunity

Are you a skilled linguist with strong attention to detail and a passion for working with real-world spoken language? We are building a global pool of transcribers, translators, and language specialists to support a large-scale multilingual speech-to-text and translation project.

You will work on real audio data (speech recordings) across African languages, helping to create high-quality verbatim transcriptions and English translations that support advanced language technology development.

What You’ll Deliver

Depending on your assigned role, you may contribute to one or both of the following workflows:

1. Transcription (Native Language)

• Produce verbatim transcripts from audio, including noises, cross talk, etc.

• Ensure high fidelity to spoken content while following provided annotation guidelines

2. Translation (Native Language → English)

• Translate transcribed content into natural, fluent English

• Preserve meaning, tone, and cultural nuance of spoken language

3. Quality Review (as applicable)

• Review and correct transcripts or translations for accuracy and completeness

• Provide structured feedback on linguistic issues where needed

4. Optional Dual Role (Transcription + Translation)

• In some cases, linguists may work across both transcription and translation tasks depending on skillset and project needs

• This includes working from audio → transcript → English translation within the same workflow

Qualifications

• Native-level proficiency in the target language(s)

• A graduate qualification in translation, linguistics, or language studies, OR A graduate qualification in another field plus 2 years of full-time professional translation experience, OR 5 years of full-time professional translation experience.

• Prior experience with spoken language transcription is a strong advantage

Why Collaborate with Lilt?

• Your schedule, your rules. As an independent contractor, work when you want, as much or as little as you want. No fixed hours, no check-ins, no micromanaging.

• Get paid quickly and fairly. We respect your time and your expertise. Competitive rates, prompt payments, no chasing invoices.

• Work on projects that actually matter. Contribute to cutting-edge AI and language technology that is shaping how humans and machines communicate.

• Be part of something bigger. Join a global community of linguists, subject matter experts, and language professionals who are advancing human knowledge together.

• Grow without limits. As a Lilt contractor you get access to diverse, innovative projects that expand your portfolio and sharpen your skills across industries and domains.

• Have fun doing what you love. Bring your language skills to life on projects that are as interesting as they are impactful.
  

What to Consider Before Applying

• Not ideal as a full time job or primary income source. Work availability fluctuates with project demand, making this better suited as a supplemental income stream. As a 1099 contractor, you won't receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions, and hours are not guaranteed.

• Requires reliable availability and commitment. Once you accept a task, we expect quality work and on-time delivery. Most tasks require a minimum of 2 hours per day or 10 hours per week. If your schedule is unpredictable, this may not be the right fit.

• Geographic restrictions may apply. We cannot engage contractors in regions subject to international embargo or sanctions. As a 1099 contractor, you are solely responsible for your own tax obligations. We recommend consulting a tax professional before engaging.
  

How to join our expert community

Step 1: Submit your application, including an updated copy of your CV in English.

Step 2: If a test is required, you will be asked to take a test in specific domains you specialize in.

Step 3: Once you are selected to join our translation team and you have passed the test, we'll guide you through the remaining onboarding steps — completing an application form, getting you set up for payments, and welcoming you into our community.

AI is changing how the world communicates — and LILT is leading that transformation.

LILT's mission is to make the world's information available to everyone, no matter the language they speak. Join our global community who thrive on innovation and excellence. Our collective knowledge, uniqueness, and skills deliver multilingual AI and human-verified services to Enterprises, Governments, and AI Developers around the world.

Earn money. Have fun. Advance human knowledge. Work on diverse projects from anywhere, any time you want. Get paid quickly and fairly, and build your professional network in a supportive community—all through a streamlined application process tailored to your expertise.

Information collected and processed as part of your application process, including any job applications you choose to submit, is subject to LILT's Privacy Policy at https://lilt.com/legal/privacy.

At LILT, we are committed to a fair, inclusive, and transparent hiring process. As part of our recruitment efforts, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) and automated tools to assist in the evaluation of applications, including résumé screening, assessment scoring, and interview analysis. These tools are designed to support human decision-making and help us identify qualified candidates efficiently and objectively. All final hiring decisions are made by people. If you have any concerns, require accommodations, or would like to opt-out of the use of AI in our hiring process, please let us know at recruiting@lilt.com.

LILT is an equal opportunity employer. We extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to an individual’s race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, veteran or marital status, pregnancy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state or federal laws. We are committed to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.