Open to opportunities

Johnson Mandika

@johnsonmandika

Detail-focused Swahili language specialist and transcription/data annotation expert for AI training and speech recognition.

Kenya

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for remote, project-based transcription and language annotation work where accuracy matters—reviewing audio, correcting transcripts, and supporting AI training data with clear guidelines, strong QA, and dependable delivery.

I’m a detail-focused Swahili language specialist with advanced academic training in Kiswahili Studies and strong experience in transcription and language data annotation. I review audio files, correct machine-generated transcripts, and produce accurate, high-quality text for AI training.

In remote, project-based work, I consistently deliver within deadlines by applying transcription guidelines like speaker labeling, timestamps, and formatting. I also maintain consistency and quality across large datasets used for AI training, with strong attention to detail and excellent listening accuracy.

My background includes language-focused coursework across grammar and syntax, phonetics and phonology, computational linguistics and NLP, discourse analysis, and Kiswahili–English translation and interpretation. I enjoy working independently, following detailed guidelines, and supporting speech recognition systems through precise audio segmentation, alignment, and quality assurance.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Transcription Data Annotation Specialist

Current

Freelance

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 6 months)

Transcribe and edit Swahili and English audio with high accuracy, including reviewing and correcting machine-generated transcripts. Apply transcription guidelines (speaker labeling, timestamps, and formatting) and ensure consistent, high-quality outputs for AI training datasets within deadlines.

Audio Transcription Data Annotation Quality Assurance Time Stamping Transcript Formatting

Language Data Annotator

Remote

Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 (1 year)

Annotated and reviewed language datasets to support speech recognition systems. Performed audio segmentation and alignment of spoken content with text, corrected linguistic/contextual errors, and maintained quality standards for AI training data.

Language Data Annotation Audio Segmentation Audio Text Alignment Transcript Review Linguistic And Contextual Error Correction Remote Collaboration

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Nairobi

Master of Arts, Kiswahili Studies

2023 - 2024

Activities and societies: Advanced Kiswahili grammar/syntax; phonetics & phonology; computational linguistics & NLP; discourse analysis; Kiswahili–English translation; language documentation & transcription.

Master of Arts in Kiswahili Studies with training in advanced grammar and syntax, phonetics/phonology, computational linguistics and NLP, and discourse analysis. Included Kiswahili–English translation and language documentation and transcription techniques.

University of Nairobi

Bachelor of Education (Arts), Education (Arts)

2018 - 2022

Activities and societies: Language teaching methods (Kiswahili); applied linguistics; speech & listening skills development; curriculum development in languages; educational communication & assessment.

Bachelor of Education (Arts) focused on Kiswahili language teaching methods, applied linguistics, speech and listening skills development, curriculum development in languages, and language assessment.

University of Nairobi

Bachelor of Arts, Kiswahili

2018 - 2022

Activities and societies: Kiswahili language structure; semantics & pragmatics; oral literature & discourse; translation studies; research methods in language studies.

Bachelor of Arts in Kiswahili covering Kiswahili language structure, semantics and pragmatics, oral literature and discourse, translation studies, and research methods in language studies.