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Welcome to Interpreter/Translator Services

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Our goal is to assist and support those who need English/Spanish interpretative and translation services to help ensure students and their families are engaged in learning and find success. 
 
 
 
School districts can purchase SWWC interpreter/translator services for: 
  • Document translation from English to Spanish or Spanish to English
  • Spanish interpretation at in-person, phone and/or virtual meetings
  • Support and collaboration around resources, programming and education to support student needs
Interpreter/translator services can be added to your membership/services contract at the set rate. Invoices are sent following the end of each month for any services utilized. If the service isn't used, there is no charge. Contact Amber Bruns at amber.bruns@swwc.org to get started.

Interpreter/Translator Team

Orlando Ortiz

Orlando Ortiz
Title: Interpreter/Translator
Phone Numbers:
School: 507-337-2941
Biography:

Orlando has 17 years of experience in general translation and interpretation. He is registered through the Minnesota Department of Health and holds national certification as a professional community interpreter and translator through Cross-Cultural Communications, and national certification in translation from the University of Arizona. He is both English and Spanish certified through ACTFL and holds national certification as a medical interpreter and translator through CCHI. He graduated from South Texas College with an associate's degree. 

What is an Interpreter?

An interpreter converts spoken information from one language to another, ensuring that the style, tone, and meaning of the original message are preserved.

Interpreters do more than just speak two languages - they consider cultural, dialectal, and contextual differences to ensure that the interpreted message sounds as though it were originally spoken in the listener's language.

Working with Your Interpreter

  1. Introduction: The interpreter will introduce themselves, explain their role, and ensure confidentiality.
  2. Three Different Modes of Interpretation: 
    • Consecutive: The interpreter translates after the speaker pauses. (Please speak in short segments - two-three sentences at a time). 
    • Simultaneous: The interpreter reformulates the message in another language while the speaker is still speaking. 
    • Remote Interpreting: This involves at least one interpreter who is not physically present and interpreting via a remote platform, such as a phone or video. To ensure clear communication, avoid side conversations and speak in short segments (two-three sentences at a time). 
  3. Be Kind to Your Interpreter: Allow time for accurate translation. (Please, refer to modes of interpretation)
  4. Clarifications: Interpreters may ask for repetitions or clarifications to ensure accuracy and will always speak in the third person, referring to themselves as "the interpreter", to maintain transparency and avoid confusion.
  5. Emergency Situations: Provide context to help the interpreter use the correct terminology.
  6. Check Understanding: Ensure that limited English proficient individuals understand the message.
  7. Interpreter’s Role: Do not ask for the interpreter's opinion. The interpreter's role is to convey the meaning of the source language impartially, following the interpreter's code of ethics.
  8. Reading Scripts: Slow down for accurate interpretation and provide scripts in advance when possible.
  9. Cultural Awareness: Be aware of cultural differences that may impact the interpretation.
    For instance, during a school meeting, the principal might ask parents a question intended to address a behavioral issue, such as, "Do you discipline your child at home?" In some cultures, this question is seen as appropriate to inquire about the student's home environment and provide them with adequate support. However, in other cultures, this question could be interpreted as an accusation or criticism of the parents' ability to raise their child, leading to feelings of offense or defensiveness.
  10. Closing: The interpreter will assist in closing the encounter and disconnect last.
  11. Everything Will Be Interpreted: Please avoid side conversations.

What is a Translator?

A translator works with written texts, converting them from a source language to a target language. Translators convey the style, tone, and intent of the text while considering cultural differences.

A professional translator ensures the final document reads as if originally written in the target language, tailoring their approach based on the content's needs.

Working With Your Translator

  1. Provide digital copies only: Please send digital versions of the documents (in Microsoft Word, a PDF or similar file types). 
    Avoid sending scanned copies, as the text in scanned documents cannot be easily translated when converted to digital format and require significantly more time and resources to recreate the templates. 
  2. Clarity of Source Material: Please ensure the original document is complete and clear. 
  3. Include Key Information: Provide deadlines and clear instructions. 
  4. Allow Sufficient Time: Quality translation requires time, especially for lengthy documents. Rushed translations can lead to errors and may not accurately convey the intended message. It is important to specify requirements and terminology preferences. Quality translation requires careful attention to detail, including time for thorough proofreading, cultural adaptation, consistency with previously translated material, research on specific terminology, and formatting adjustments to match the original document.
  5. Our Translation Process: Our process is guided by Skopos Theory, which states that translation is not simply an act of linguistic transference, but rather an application of purpose (who is going to read it, how they are going to use it, etc.). To that end, we will review and research terminology, translate and revise for accuracy, and do a final polish and delivery. 
  6. Please Be Available: We may have questions to clarify the document, so please be available. If you have questions before, during, or after, please do not hesitate to reach out to Orlando.
  7. Confidentiality: Please know that professional translators adhere to strict confidentiality standards and a code of ethics.