Makonde interpreting and translation

Makonde interpreters for Tanzanian and Mozambican clients

The first question is which side of the border a client comes from. Tanzanian speakers usually also speak Swahili, while Mozambican speakers may use Portuguese or Swahili as a second language, and dialects differ between the two countries. Some varieties grouped under the Makonde name, such as Matambwe and Mabiha, are distinct enough to need a specific match.

Clients from Cabo Delgado may have lived through conflict and displacement in recent years. Interviews call for care and neutrality, and we will provide an interpreter of the client's preferred gender on request. Remote interpreting is often the fastest option: by telephone at any hour of any day, or by video through the SILA Linguists® video app or whatever conferencing tool you prefer. Where the client prefers, relay through Swahili or Portuguese can be arranged, and face-to-face interpreting is available where a suitable interpreter can attend asylum interviews, clinics or legal appointments.

Translation for Makonde speakers

Makonde translation mainly covers personal statements, letters, health information and community outreach material. Tell us whether readers are Tanzanian or Mozambican so our translators use familiar spelling and vocabulary, and we can translate Makonde letters and messages into English for case files.

Official documents from Tanzania are generally in Swahili or English, and those from Mozambique in Portuguese. We provide certified translation from Swahili and Portuguese with a signed accuracy statement, accepted by the courts, the Home Office and other UK authorities, keeping Makonde names consistent across every page.

Makonde transcription and LADO

Interviews, testimony and voice recordings in Makonde can be transcribed with timings marked and translated into English, with Swahili or Portuguese passages identified. For applicants whose origin is disputed, SILA Linguists® offers language analysis for the determination of origin (LADO), which can help distinguish Tanzanian and Mozambican backgrounds.

Where we can help in Makonde

Our vetted, trained and qualified Makonde linguists can support asylum and humanitarian casework teams, refugee charities, NHS and community health services, legal advisers and outreach programmes. A single project team manages each request, every linguist is vetted, and all material stays protected by NDAs and UK GDPR.