Translation English Somali
How to hire Somali translators
Somali is the official language of Somalia, a small country located on the easternmost tip of the Horn of Africa. The language is also spoken by immigrant communities across the globe, including the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) in Minnesota. If you’re looking for a contractor who can help you localize your business for Somali-speaking populations, a Somali translator can help.
So how do you hire Somali translators? What follows are some tips for finding top Somali translators on Upwork.
How to shortlist Somali translation professionals
As you’re browsing available Somali translation consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the contractors you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:
- Industry fit. You want a translator who not only can translate Somali but also understands how to translate industry-specific lingo between languages.
- Communication. A translator needs strong written and verbal communication skills to ensure your message remains intact post-translation.
- Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular Somali translator.
How to write an effective Somali translation job post
With a clear picture of your ideal Somali translator in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
An effective Somali translation job post should include:
- Scope of work: From translating ebooks to generating subtitles, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience performing certain translation services, such as translating meaning and feeling for a creative writing project, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to bridge the communication gap between your business and Somali-speaking communities? Log in and post your Somali translation job on Upwork today.
SOMALI TRANSLATORS FAQ
What is Somali?
Somali is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afroasiatic languages. The language had lacked a written form until official writing conventions based on the Latin alphabet were adopted in 1973.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in Somali translation consultants:
- Somali-to-English and/or English-to-Somali translation
- CAT (computer-assisted translation) tools such as Trados or SDLX
- Audio transcription (e.g., subtitles)
- Writing and grammar (English and Somali)
- Specialist, technical, commercial, or industrial knowledge
- Strong understanding of how style, tone, and other cultural elements should be transferred between English and Somali
Why hire Somali translators?
The trick to finding top Somali translators is to identify your needs. Are you looking for someone who can create Somali subtitles for your videos? Or do you need an interpreter who can translate Somali to English in real time for a teleconference? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
How much does it cost to hire a Somali translator?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
- An experienced Somali translator may command higher fees but also work faster, have more-specialized areas of expertise, and deliver higher-quality work.
- A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their Somali translation services more competitively.
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.