Jakalteko (Popti') interpreting and translation

Popti' interpreting for hearings, clinics and schools

Q'anjob'al and Akateko speakers may understand some Jakalteko, but for legal statements and medical consultations we provide a Jakalteko interpreter rather than a neighbouring language. In immigration hearings and other legal settings, the stakes leave no room for partial understanding.

Many speakers also use Spanish, but levels vary widely. Children and young adults who have recently migrated may still be most comfortable in Popti', and limited Spanish learnt on the journey or at school is no basis for a hearing or a child protection meeting. Our interpreters work remotely, by video through the SILA Linguists® app or the conferencing service you already use, or by telephone, with lines open around the clock. Sessions run consecutively, and families may request a female or male interpreter.

For school meetings, safeguarding reviews and health visits, we brief the interpreter on the setting beforehand, so that terms such as care plan or consent are explained in words a Jacaltenango family will recognise.

Jakalteko translation and certified translation

Jakalteko is written in Guatemala's official Mayan alphabet, with apostrophes marking glottalised consonants, as in the name Popti' itself. There is a tradition of literature and educational materials in the language, and our translators use it when producing school letters, hearing notices, health information and personal statements, into or out of English.

Guatemalan birth certificates and identity papers are issued in Spanish, so certified versions are prepared from Spanish, each signed with a statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as tribunals, the Home Office and schools, and by employers.

Transcription and language analysis

Recorded interviews and evidence in Popti' are transcribed with time codes, an English rendering and clear labels for any Spanish or Q'anjob'al. Where an asylum claim turns on where the applicant grew up, specialist analysts can carry out language analysis for the determination of origin (LADO).

Settings for our linguists in Jakalteko (Popti')

Our vetted, trained and qualified Jakalteko linguists can support immigration and asylum services, courts and solicitors, hospitals and GP practices, schools, social services and child welfare teams. At SILA Linguists®, a single coordinator handles every booking, and all linguists sign non-disclosure agreements and follow UK GDPR, so young and vulnerable clients receive consistent, discreet support.