Chaldean translation services
ܟܠܕܝܐLEXIGO provides Chaldean translation across Australia for Iraqi Chaldean Catholic communities in Sydney's Fairfield and Melbourne's north and the health, settlement and government services working with them. We translate Chaldean Neo-Aramaic to English and English to Chaldean in Syriac script, and handle the Arabic-language Iraqi civil documents most Chaldean Australians hold through NAATI certified Arabic translators.
Chaldean (Chaldean Neo-Aramaic) is a Semitic language spoken by the Chaldean Catholic community, primarily from Iraq's Nineveh Plains and surrounding regions. Closely related to Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, Chaldean is part of the broader Neo-Aramaic language family, making it a modern descendant of one of the ancient Near East's most historically significant languages.
In Australia, Chaldean speakers number approximately 15,000 according to the 2021 Census. The Chaldean-Australian community has grown through humanitarian migration from Iraq, particularly following the Iraq wars, sectarian violence, and the devastation wrought by ISIS on Christian communities in northern Iraq. The community is concentrated in Sydney (particularly Fairfield and surrounding suburbs) and Melbourne.
Chaldean is written in the Syriac script (Eastern form), reading right-to-left. The script shares its origins with Assyrian but the Chaldean community's distinct Catholic identity and cultural traditions differentiate it from the Assyrian community. In practice, some Chaldean Australians also use Arabic or Latin transliteration for informal communication.
The Chaldean-Australian community is defined by its Catholic Christian identity, with the Chaldean Catholic Church serving as the primary community institution. Cultural traditions, religious observances, and community gatherings are organised around the church. The community maintains strong connections to their Mesopotamian heritage and the ongoing plight of Christians in Iraq.
For organisations, Chaldean serves a significant Iraqi Christian community. Healthcare, settlement services, aged care, and community engagement programs benefit from Chaldean-language provision, particularly for older community members and recent humanitarian arrivals.
What makes Chaldean translation different?
Chaldean vs Assyrian
While linguistically close, Chaldean and Assyrian are considered distinct by their respective communities, differentiated primarily by church affiliation (Chaldean Catholic vs Assyrian Church of the East). Content should be matched to the correct community, and translators should be from the appropriate background.
Syriac Script and RTL Layout
Chaldean uses the Eastern Syriac script with RTL layout requirements. Specialised Unicode font support is needed, and bidirectional text handling is essential when Chaldean and English appear together.
Arabic Literacy
Many Chaldean Australians are also literate in Arabic from their Iraqi education. Some community communications may be provided in Arabic as a practical alternative, though Chaldean-language provision is preferred for cultural and identity reasons.
NAATI Certification
NAATI certified Chaldean practitioners are available in Australia, concentrated in Sydney. The distinction between Chaldean and Assyrian pathways reflects recognition of these as separate community languages.
Frequently asked questions about Chaldean translation
Are Chaldean Australians' documents issued in Chaldean or Arabic?
Almost always in Arabic. Iraqi birth certificates, nationality certificates, marriage contracts and degrees are issued in Arabic even for Chaldean families, and are translated and certified by NAATI certified Arabic translators for Home Affairs and Australian authorities. Church baptism and marriage records may be in Chaldean or Arabic.
Are Chaldean and Assyrian the same language?
Closely related and largely mutually intelligible, but distinct in vocabulary, pronunciation and church tradition. Content for Chaldean Catholic communities is translated by Chaldean speakers, and community organisations are sensitive to the difference.
Where are Australia's Chaldean-speaking communities?
The 2021 Census recorded about 15,000 Chaldean speakers at home. Sydney's Fairfield, Bossley Park and Greenfield Park hold the largest community, followed by Melbourne's north around Campbellfield, Meadow Heights and Craigieburn. Arrivals accelerated after 2003 and again after 2014.
How much does Chaldean translation cost?
Chaldean translation is quoted on word count, subject matter and turnaround. Arabic-language personal documents from Iraq start from $69 per page for NAATI certified translation. Upload your file for a free quote.