Malagasy interpreting and translation

Malagasy interpreting that respects regional speech and formality

Official Malagasy is based on the Merina variety of the central plateau, but people from coastal and southern regions may speak Sakalava, Betsimisaraka, Antandroy, Tsimihety or other varieties, and many appreciate an interpreter familiar with their region. Educated speakers often use French in law, medicine and higher education, so we clarify at the outset whether a Malagasy or French interpreter is wanted.

Malagasy communication values politeness and indirectness, and speakers may draw on proverbs, ohabolana, and formal speech. Our interpreters convey tone as well as content in legal consultations, immigration appointments, hospital visits and business negotiations. Telephone interpreting is open at all hours, every day, and video interpreting runs through the SILA Linguists® app or the client's own platform. Face-to-face, consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, including remote simultaneous interpreting, are available for meetings, site visits and conferences.

Malagasy translation, localisation and certification

Malagasy uses standard Latin letters, so fonts are straightforward, but translated texts often run longer than the English source, which affects layout and subtitling. Personal and place names are long and must be copied exactly, as small spelling differences matter in official records.

Civil and academic documents from Madagascar are usually in French, sometimes bilingual with Malagasy, and our certified translations cover both languages with a signed accuracy statement, accepted by HR departments, universities and other UK authorities. For mining, conservation and development projects we translate contracts, community consultation materials, safety documentation and reports, and we localise websites and campaign content for Malagasy audiences.

Transcription and subtitling

Our Malagasy transcribers produce time-stamped transcripts with English translation for research interviews, community consultations, legal recordings and media. Subtitles in Malagasy or English can be added to documentaries, training videos and project films, allowing for the language's longer line lengths.

Sectors we support in Malagasy

Our vetted, trained and qualified Malagasy linguists can support law firms and immigration advisers, healthcare providers, mining, energy and conservation organisations, universities and research teams, as well as NGOs and charities working with Malagasy communities in Madagascar, Mayotte and Réunion. Your work stays with one project team at SILA Linguists®, and all material is protected under confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR.