Finding support in Amharic
Amharic (አማርኛ) is the working language of Ethiopia and is written in the Ge’ez, or Ethiopic, script. Translated documents therefore need a translator who can produce the Ethiopic script, and the person may prefer to hear information rather than read it.
Finding support in Amharic
Amharic (አማርኛ) is the working language of Ethiopia and is written in the Ge’ez, or Ethiopic, script. Translated documents therefore need a translator who can produce the Ethiopic script, and the person may prefer to hear information rather than read it.
When it was checked, the NDIS Languages page, which lists the languages the NDIS has translated information in, did not include Amharic. TIS National has interpreters in more than 150 languages, so ask for an Amharic interpreter when one is booked.
What to confirm
- Confirm the person’s preferred language. Several languages are spoken in Ethiopia, and some people prefer one other than Amharic, such as Oromo or Tigrinya.
- Ask the provider to book an interpreter for the first meeting and for going through the service agreement, rather than relying on a worker or family member.
- Ask whether key documents can be explained by an interpreter, because translated versions may not exist.
- If a written translation is needed, ask whether the translator holds a NAATI credential.
A worker who speaks Amharic is helpful for everyday conversation. An interpreter is still the right choice for health, funding and consent discussions.
Official information
- NDIS: information in other languages
- TIS National (Translating and Interpreting Service)
- NAATI: find a credentialed translator or interpreter
Providers that list Amharic
No SolDirectory member provider lists Amharic at the moment. Providers supply their own language information, so confirm the specific worker, fluency, dialect, communication method and availability directly.
Questions to ask before support begins
- Ask whether the allocated worker communicates in Amharic, rather than relying on the organisation having one multilingual staff member.
- Confirm spoken, signed, written and Easy Read needs separately, including preferred dialect, terminology and communication aids.
- Ask when a qualified independent interpreter will be used and who books and pays for that service.
- Check current availability, qualifications, worker screening, fees, funding, privacy and the written service agreement.
How bilingual support, interpreters, privacy and funding differ is explained on the language support guide.
Frequently asked questions about Amharic
Does a listing prove that every worker speaks or uses Amharic?
No. Providers supply their own language information. Confirm the specific worker, fluency, dialect and communication method before support begins.
Is a bilingual worker the same as an accredited interpreter?
No. A bilingual worker may communicate directly during support, while an accredited interpreter has a separate interpreting role. Ask what is appropriate for important, technical or consent-related discussions.
Official sources
- NDIS information in other languages
- TIS National: interpreting services (call 131 450)
- NAATI practitioner directory
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Browse other language and communication guides
Helpful reading
- Registered or unregistered? What it means when you choose an NDIS provider: Registered and unregistered providers can both be legitimate, but the rules, checks and options for your plan are not the same. Here is how to think about the difference.
- Making a complaint about an NDIS provider or worker: where to start: Raising a concern can feel daunting. Here is a clear order of steps, who deals with what, and how to keep a record as you go.
- How to choose an NDIS provider: 12 questions to ask before you commit: A practical checklist for comparing providers, from how a service fits your plan to what happens when something goes wrong.