Hazaragi translation services
هزارگیLEXIGO provides NAATI certified Hazaragi translation across Australia for Hazara communities in Dandenong, Shepparton, Adelaide and Brisbane and the settlement, health, education and government services working with them. We translate Hazaragi to English and English to Hazaragi with right-to-left typesetting, and handle Afghan tazkira identity documents, marriage certificates and education records for Home Affairs and Australian authorities.
Hazaragi is a variety of Persian spoken by the Hazara people of central Afghanistan, particularly in the Hazarajat region encompassing Bamyan, Daykundi, and parts of surrounding provinces. Linguistically, Hazaragi is closely related to Dari but has distinct vocabulary, pronunciation, and some grammatical features influenced by Turkic and Mongolic languages, reflecting the Hazara people's complex ethnic heritage.
In Australia, Hazaragi speakers number approximately 20,000 according to the 2021 Census. The Hazara-Australian community has grown primarily through humanitarian migration, as Hazaras have faced systematic persecution in Afghanistan due to their Shia Muslim faith and distinct ethnic identity. Persecution has been perpetrated by various groups including the Taliban and ISIS. The community is concentrated in Dandenong and surrounding suburbs in Melbourne, with significant communities in Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, and regional areas including Shepparton and Nhill.
Hazaragi is written in the same Perso-Arabic script as Dari and Farsi, reading right-to-left. While mutually intelligible with Dari, Hazaragi includes distinctive vocabulary and expressions that mark Hazara identity. For the community, the distinction between Hazaragi and Dari carries cultural and political significance — recognition of Hazaragi as a distinct variety affirms Hazara identity.
The Hazara-Australian community has become one of the most visible and organised Afghan communities in Australia, with active community organisations, cultural events, and advocacy groups. The community’s experience of persecution and the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan following the 2021 Taliban takeover remain central concerns.
For organisations, Hazaragi serves a significant humanitarian community. Settlement services, healthcare, mental health support, legal aid, education, and employment services all require Hazaragi-language provision. Sensitivity to the community's experiences of persecution and trauma is essential.
What makes Hazaragi translation different?
Hazaragi vs Dari
While mutually intelligible with Dari, recognising Hazaragi as the community's preferred language variety demonstrates respect for Hazara identity. Using translators from the Hazara community ensures appropriate vocabulary and cultural references. Some community members may accept Dari translations, but Hazaragi-specific content is preferred for community engagement.
Trauma-Informed Communication
The Hazara community's experience of persecution, genocide risk, and ongoing threats in Afghanistan means all communications should be sensitive to potential trauma triggers. Healthcare, legal, and settlement content should use clear, reassuring language and be developed with community input.
RTL Layout
Hazaragi uses the Perso-Arabic script with the same technical requirements as Dari and Farsi — RTL layout, bidirectional text handling, and appropriate font support.
NAATI Certification
NAATI certification for Hazaragi-specific practitioners is limited. Dari-certified practitioners of Hazara background can provide appropriate services. Specifying Hazara cultural competency when commissioning translation ensures the best outcomes.
Frequently asked questions about Hazaragi translation
Are Hazaragi and Dari the same language?
Closely related but distinct. Hazaragi is a variety of Persian spoken by the Hazara people of central Afghanistan, with its own vocabulary, pronunciation and Turkic and Mongolic influences. Hazara readers understand written Dari, but community and health content lands better in Hazaragi, and the Hazara community values the distinction.
Is a NAATI certified translation of Afghan documents accepted by Home Affairs?
Yes. Home Affairs, state road authorities, universities and AHPRA accept NAATI certified translations of Afghan documents. The tazkira identity document, marriage certificates, school and university records and driver licences are the most common. Official Afghan documents are issued in Dari or Pashto rather than Hazaragi.
Where are Australia's Hazaragi-speaking communities?
The 2021 Census recorded about 20,000 Hazaragi speakers at home. Melbourne's Dandenong and south-east hold the largest community, with strong regional communities in Shepparton and Mildura, Adelaide's north, Brisbane's south and Sydney's west. Most arrived through humanitarian programs, with a further wave after 2021.
How much does Hazaragi translation cost?
Hazaragi translation is quoted on word count, subject matter and turnaround. NAATI certified translation of Afghan personal documents starts from $69 per page. Upload your file for a free quote.
Do you translate settlement and health content into Hazaragi?
Yes. Hazaragi is a priority language for settlement services, community health, schools and regional councils in Victoria and South Australia. Plain-language Hazaragi matters: many readers had interrupted schooling, so translations are written for accessibility, and audio versions often reach more people than print.