Research Interviews: 900+ Minutes of Hausa Audio

Context

An NGO conducting field research across Hausa-speaking communities needed accurate transcripts and translations of interview recordings. The interviews covered sensitive social issues, and the insights were being used to inform programme decisions and donor reporting.

Challenge

The audio quality varied because interviews were recorded in different environments; some in quiet indoor settings, others in busy community spaces. Speakers used a mix of dialects, informal phrasing, and culturally loaded expressions that required careful interpretation. Small inaccuracies could distort the meaning and affect the organisation’s findings.

My Approach

I handled the full process end-to-end:

• transcribed over 900 minutes of Hausa audio with attention to tone, emphasis, and context
• resolved unclear segments by analysing linguistic cues and speaker patterns
• translated the transcripts into clear English without losing nuance
• annotated culturally specific expressions where additional explanation was required
• ensured sensitive content was treated with confidentiality and discretion

I used a consistent workflow to maintain accuracy across all interviews, even when speakers shifted between dialects or used idiomatic language.

Outcome

The NGO received clean, reliable transcripts and translations that supported their analysis and reporting. The research team was able to extract insights without questioning the linguistic accuracy, and the materials were accepted for internal review and external reporting without further revision.

What This Demonstrates

• ability to handle large-scale transcription and translation projects
• expertise in interpreting dialect variations and culturally specific language
• reliability in delivering sensitive materials with consistency
• a deep understanding of how language affects research outcomes