Swahili, Luo and Luganda Interpreter in Manchester

Hello! My name is Joanes Okoth and I am an independent Luo, Luganda and Swahili interpreter and translator based in Manchester, northwest of England.

I have years of experience helping people communicate across language barriers. I can assist you with your clients, whether as a court (MOJ) interpreter, legal interpreter, remote conference interpreter or with translations of written documents.

Background and experience

Growing up in Kampala (Uganda), I was exposed to Luo, Swahili and Luganda since birth. I graduated with Bachelor of Arts degree from Makerere University in Kampala, I am also a Graduate CIPD obtained on successful completion of the Diploma in Personnel Management at the University of West London (in 1990) and was a Member of the Kenya Institute of Management.

Translation and interpretation require a lot of skills and constant education. That prompted me to pursue a diploma in public service interpreting.

Education without real-world practice is incomplete. My public service interpretation training allowed me to offer top quality translation and interpreting services to the courts, hospitals, the police and solicitors. I have also worked with commercial clients and businesses, wanting to reach new markets and audiences.

I am registered with the National Register of Public Service Interpreters, a professional body that ensures members adhere to a strict code of conduct, makes sure that all members are properly trained and qualified, are security vetted and have the necessary experience to provide great services to their clients, giving them peace of mind.

My professional background stretches beyond interpretation, allowing me to better work with people in many different industries and sectors. I worked in Human Resources at the Kenya  Ports Authority in Mombasa.

Why you need an English-Swahili and English-Luganda translator or interpreter

The 21^st century is set to be a big one for Africa. With a young, ambitious population and growing economy, the continent is set to fulfil its potential. Companies, however, may find it difficult to break into this market or reach people in the African diaspora because of the wealth of languages found there.

The North-West has welcomed people from East and Central Africa most of who speak Swahili, Luganda and Luo but are not able to speak English. Thus, the need to help and work with this group of people is really high, and this is where I come in to help.

Swahili has traditionally been a lingua franca of the Great Lakes region and is spoken in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and beyond. Over 150 million people use it, making it a great way to reach a diverse range of people.

Luganda is one of the most important languages in Uganda and is spoken by over 8 million people. Many Luganda-speaking groups of people have settled in the North-West. Speaking to people in their mother tongue is a great way to connect and help – aiding your business as it grows in a flourishing community.

• Face-to-face interpreting

Meeting in person is the best way to get things done. But even if people speak a language, it can be hard to express yourself and understand someone fully in a non-native language. Make it easy by employing face-to-face interpretation, where you can speak fluently in your own language while I ensure that everyone understands everything flawlessly

• Conference interpreting

Conferences are a great way to network and learn. The problems with communication are multiplied though, as people from all around the world could be in attendance. My experience will guarantee that conferences are enjoyed by all and mean that they become a valuable resource to meet and make deals with people.

• Remote interpreting

Remote working is here to stay. It means that people aren’t always in the same room. This is especially true when you are exploring new opportunities and it might not be time to fly across the world. Technology brings people together, and I will help with that. Be it on telephone calls or through services such as Skype, I will help everyone make the most of remote meetings.

English-Swahili and English-Luganda translation services

• Translation services

With my background working with courts, I can render documents accurately into a target language. When talking stops, putting proposals and plans together starts. Make the best impression with my high-quality written translation services, whether you are reviewing a contract, drawing up a marketing plan or sharing business plans or case studies.