Chamacoco (Ishir) interpreting and translation

Ishir interpreting for Ybytoso and Tomárãho speakers

There are two main varieties. Ybytoso, or Ebitoso, is spoken by the larger group living along the river; Tomárãho is spoken by a smaller group who historically lived further inland, and is often described as more conservative. In Paraguay they are recognised as separate peoples. They are mutually intelligible, yet an interpreter from the same group helps with vocabulary and trust, so we ask which one the client belongs to.

Most Ishir also speak Spanish, and many speak Paraguayan Guarani. We usually arrange an Ishir and Spanish interpreter with relay into English, or work in Spanish or Guarani if the client prefers. Remote video interpreting through the SILA Linguists® app or your platform is the most practical way to reach a suitable linguist in Paraguay, and telephone sessions are available at any time. Land consultations and community meetings are interpreted consecutively, with time for discussion.

Chamacoco translation and certified translation

Chamacoco is written in the Latin alphabet, and community and academic work has produced dictionaries and teaching materials. Some sounds are written with special letters such as ɨ, so we check that fonts in your documents, websites and subtitles support them. We translate consultation documents, health information and cultural texts into and out of English.

Official documents from Paraguay are in Spanish and are translated from Spanish for certified use. Each certified translation carries a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office and universities.

Transcription for documentation and heritage

Ishir songs, narratives and ceremonial knowledge are a focus of language documentation and heritage work. We transcribe recordings with time stamps and an English translation, noting whether speakers use Ybytoso or Tomárãho features and marking passages in Spanish or Guarani. Subtitles can be prepared for documentary film and museum displays.

Where we can help in Chamacoco (Ishir)

Our vetted, trained and qualified Chamacoco linguists can support community consultations and land matters, healthcare programmes, universities and language documentation projects, museums and cultural organisations. One SILA Linguists® project team coordinates every element, and every linguist works under a confidentiality agreement and UK GDPR, respecting the privacy of a small river community.