Somali & Maay Maay Language Overview and Translation Samples
Somali (af Soomaali)
Somali is one of the primary languages spoken in Somalia and by Somali communities throughout the Horn of Africa and around the world. It belongs to the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family and is written using the Latin alphabet.
Somali has several regional varieties and dialects, with Standard Somali widely used in education, media, government, and formal communication.
As a native Somali linguist, I provide professional translation, interpretation, proofreading, editing, and language consulting services for legal, medical, government, educational, business, and general content.
Maay Maay Language
Maay Maay is widely spoken in southern Somalia and is linguistically distinct from Standard Somali in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. It is used by many communities in southern Somalia and by speakers living throughout the Somali diaspora.
I provide professional Maay Maay translation and interpretation services for clients who require accurate, culturally appropriate communication with Maay Maay-speaking audiences.
Sample text
Somali Text: Aadanaha dhammaantiis wuxuu dhashaa isagoo xor ah kana siman xagga sharafta iyo xuquuqada Waxaa Alle (Ilaah) siiyay aqoon iyo wacyi, waana in qof la arkaa qofka kale ula dhaqmaa si walaaltinimo ah.(Maqaalka 1aad ee Bayaanka Xuquuqda Aadanaha ee Caalamiga)
English Translation: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brother/sisterhood. (Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
Sample text
Somali Text:
Gacaliye Buka,
[Organization Name] waxay sameynayaan mashruuc daraasadeed si loo ogaado sida wanaagsan ee aynu ula xiriirno bukaanadeena. Waxaan jecelnahay in aad naga caawiso adigoo soo buuxiya rayi-ururintan. Rayi-urintan buuxinteeda waxay qaadanaysaa in ka yar 10 daqiiqo.
Buuxinta rayi-uruintan kaagama imaanayo wax halis ah. Si toos ahaanna uma heli doontid wax manfac ah haddii aad ka qeyb qaadato rayi-ururintan. Balse mustaqbalka danbe ayaa laga yaabaa in ay dad ka manaafacaan sida aad uga jawaabto su’aalaha rayi-uruinta.
Rayi-ururintan waa mid dahsoon. Jawaabaha aad ka bixiso su’aalahana lama waafiqin doono magacaaga. Jawaabaha aad ka bixiso su’aalahana ma noqon doonaan mid wax waxba kama bedeli doonta sida laguu daaweeyo.
Jawaabahaaga aad ka bixineyso su’aalahan waa mid aad muhiim u ah. Balse, ma aha in aad buuxiso rayi-uruintan haddii aadan doonayn.
Waad ku mahadsan tahay caawinadaada.
English Translation:
Dear Patient,
[Organization Name] is doing a research project to find out how well we communicate with patients. We would like you to help us by taking a survey. This survey will take less than 10 minutes
Filling out this survey has no known risks. You will not receive a direct benefit if you take the survey. But people in the future may benefit from how you answer the survey questions.
This survey is anonymous. Your answers to these questions cannot be matched with your name. Your answers to these questions will not change how you are treated.
Your answers to these questions are very important. But, you do not have to fill out this survey if you do not want to.
Thank you for your help.