Lao interpreting and translation

Lao interpreting: matching language, region and manner

A client from Isan may be more comfortable with Thai or an Isan-speaking interpreter, while a client from Vientiane, Luang Prabang or southern Laos should have a Lao interpreter. Hmong and Khmu speakers from Laos often use Lao as a second language; for important matters we check whether their first language would serve them better, and we can supply those interpreters too.

Respect for elders runs through Lao conversation, and our interpreters use polite particles and forms of address in a calm, unhurried tone that suits elderly care, hospital appointments and social services visits. Video and telephone interpreting are often the quickest options; our telephone line runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and video sessions use the SILA Linguists® app or your own platform. Face-to-face, consecutive and escort interpreting can be arranged for legal advice, development workshops and project visits, with female or male interpreters available on request.

Lao translation and certified documents

Lao is written left to right in its own script, with no spaces between words; spaces mark the ends of phrases. We use fonts that fully support Lao Unicode and take care with line breaking. Lao spelling was simplified during the twentieth century, so older certificates and publications may use earlier forms, which our translators recognise.

We translate Lao birth and marriage certificates, family books, education records and legal papers into English with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as the Home Office, courts and universities. Lao family books and certificates needed in the United States, Canada or Australia are certified as required there, NAATI-certified translation included. Into Lao, we produce health information, consent forms and community guidance, and project documents for NGOs. We never adapt a Thai translation for Lao readers: script, spelling and terminology all differ.

Lao transcription

Interviews, evaluation fieldwork, oral histories and recorded evidence in Lao can be transcribed with time stamps and translated into English, with Pali, Sanskrit and French loanwords rendered accurately.

Where we can help in Lao

Our vetted, trained and qualified Lao linguists can support hospitals and elderly care providers, immigration advisers, solicitors, local authority community and social services, and development organisations and charities working in Laos. One project team manages each request, every linguist is vetted and signs a confidentiality agreement, and personal data is handled under UK GDPR. Lao interpreting covers North American and Australian courts, immigration advisers, hospitals and schools, by telephone, video or face to face.