Levantine Arabic Translation Services
Levantine Arabic, known as Shami, is the dialect spoken across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine by approximately 30 million people. Our native Levantine translators understand the distinct administrative systems of each country in the region, from Syrian civil registry documents to Lebanese notarial certificates. With significant Levantine diaspora communities in the UK, particularly following the Syrian conflict, we provide fast, certified translation services for immigration, asylum and settlement applications.
- 30 million speakers
- 4 countries
- Considerable differences
Native Speakers
30 millionEstimated native speakers worldwide
Countries
4Countries where this dialect is spoken
Relationship to MSA
Considerable differencesCompared to Modern Standard Arabic
How Levantine Arabic Differs from Modern Standard Arabic
Understanding the key differences between Levantine Arabic and MSA is essential for accurate translation. Our translators are native dialect speakers with deep cultural knowledge.
Levantine Arabic differs considerably from MSA in everyday speech, with simplified verb conjugations, unique vocabulary and significant influence from Turkish, French and English. Written documents from the Levant use MSA but incorporate region-specific legal and administrative terminology. Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian and Palestinian documents each have distinct formatting conventions despite sharing the same dialect family.
Simplified Verb Forms
Levantine Arabic significantly simplifies MSA verb conjugations, dropping many dual forms and using the prefix "ب" (b-) for present tense. This affects how informal documents and witness statements are interpreted.
Turkish and French Loanwords
Centuries of Ottoman rule and French mandate influence introduced numerous Turkish and French words into Levantine Arabic, particularly in legal, administrative and culinary vocabulary.
Pronunciation Variations
The letter "ق" (qaf) is commonly replaced with a glottal stop in urban Levantine speech, while rural dialects retain the original pronunciation. This affects transliteration of names and places in official documents.
Country-Specific Administrative Terms
Each Levantine country has its own administrative vocabulary. Syrian documents reference "مختار" (mukhtar) for local authority, Lebanese documents use French-influenced legal terms, and Jordanian documents follow Hashemite Kingdom conventions.
Distinct Interrogative Forms
Levantine Arabic uses "شو" (shu) and "كيف" (kif) in ways that differ from MSA question words, which appears in informal witness statements and correspondence.
Why Levantine Arabic Matters for Document Translation
The Syrian conflict and ongoing instability in parts of the Levant have made Levantine Arabic document translation critical for UK immigration and asylum cases. Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian and Palestinian documents each follow different administrative conventions, and many asylum seekers arrive with documents that are damaged, incomplete or contain handwritten annotations in the local dialect. Our translators have extensive experience with Home Office and tribunal submissions, understanding the sensitivity required for asylum documentation. We also handle business and legal translations for the established Lebanese and Jordanian business communities in the UK.
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Birth Certificates
Birth certificates from Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine each follow different civil registry formats and require translators familiar with the specific administrative system.
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Court Documents
Court judgments and legal papers from Levantine countries reference specific national laws and use legal terminology particular to each country's judicial system.
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Criminal Records
Police clearance certificates and criminal record checks from Levantine countries, often required for UK visa applications and DBS equivalency checks.
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Passport Translation
Translation of Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian and Palestinian passports and travel documents for immigration proceedings and identity verification.
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Marriage Certificates
Levantine marriage contracts vary by country and religious community, with Muslim, Christian and Druze communities each having distinct certificate formats.
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Medical Reports
Medical evidence and reports from Levantine healthcare providers, often needed for asylum claims, personal injury cases and NHS registration.
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Questions and Answers
Do you specialise in Syrian document translation?
Yes. We have translated many Syrian documents for asylum, immigration and settlement applications. Our Syrian translators know the civil registry system, the layout of court papers and the particular difficulties of documents from conflict zones, such as papers that are damaged or partly unreadable.
Can you translate Lebanese documents that include French?
Yes. Many Lebanese official documents are bilingual (Arabic/French) or contain French legal terminology. Our Lebanese translators are fluent in both Arabic and French, ensuring all elements of the document are accurately translated into English.
Are your translations accepted for UK asylum applications?
Yes. The UK Home Office, immigration tribunals and every UK court accept our certified translations. We know what asylum documents require, and our translations meet the standards that immigration judges and caseworkers expect.
How do you handle damaged or incomplete Levantine documents?
We often handle documents damaged during travel or in conflict. Our translators render every legible part and mark any illegible sections clearly. Where it helps, we add explanatory notes so UK authorities understand the context of the document. To talk about your situation, call 0800 193 8888.
Can you translate Palestinian documents?
Yes. We translate documents issued by the Palestinian Authority, UNRWA refugee registration documents, and historical documents from the region. Our translators understand the unique administrative context of Palestinian documentation and its acceptance by UK authorities.
What is the turnaround time for Levantine Arabic translation?
Standard turnaround is 24 hours for single documents. For urgent asylum or court deadlines, we offer same-day service. Multi-document packages for immigration cases are typically completed within 2-3 working days. Email hello@arabictranslation.co.uk for a free quote with exact turnaround times.
Need Levantine Arabic Translation?
Work with native Levantine Arabic translators who understand the dialect, culture, and official document formats. Fast turnaround, certified translations, guaranteed accuracy.