The Spanish Group founder Salvador Ordorica on AI, The Importance Of Sector Expertise and The Human Touch

Salvador Ordorica is on a mission to keep standards in the translation industry as high as possible in the face of AI and automated translation engines. His firm, The Spanish Group, is a leader in the translation space, trusted by government and federal agencies, the legal profession and large businesses to provide accurate and speedy translations at volume. The Spanish Group offers certified translation in more than 90 languages and Ordorica is rightly proud of their commitment to accuracy and precision.

“In the field of translation, the significance of human skills and comprehension is paramount,” says Ordorica. “While automated tools can provide literal translations, it is human expertise that adds nuance, captures context, and conveys the true essence of a language in documents. At The Spanish Group, we recognize the indispensable role of human understanding in achieving accurate and culturally relevant translations, ensuring that our clients receive more than just words on paper but a meaningful and constructive connection that transcends language barriers.”

Ordorica, a first-generation Mexican-American, is fluent in English, French, and Spanish while also learning Mandarin Chinese and Portuguese. The Spanish Group is the logical continuation of his early career as a freelance translator who grew frustrated at the apparent tolerance of inaccuracies in many translations and the negative impact they had on immigrant communities reliant on trustworthy translations to support tasks like legal documentation and citizenship applications.

“Language services are essential tools that connect diverse perspectives through effective communication. By facilitating understanding and bridging cultural gaps, these services contribute to a more inclusive global dialogue. In the interconnected world, they play a crucial role in fostering unity, promoting awareness, and allowing diverse voices to be heard and understood.”

As The Spanish Group has grown, Ordorica has become steadfastly focused on promoting the importance of accuracy and precision throughout the company and the wider industry, becoming something of an advocate for top-tier, reliable translations at a fair price. He’s concerned about what he sees as a potential complacency about the capabilities of AI as a reliable translation solution.

“In the corporate landscape, the choice between professional translation services and automated tools is pivotal. Opting for the human touch in translation not only preserves the nuances of language but also ensures a nuanced understanding of business contexts.”

He believes there is a place for ‘quick and cheap’ translation tools – for example for tourists trying to communicate in new languages, for sense-checking informal communications between two people who don’t share a language, and of course as part of the process for language learners, with education providers such as Duolingo relying to some degree on artificial intelligence. But he sees a clear distinction between translation as a service and translation as a means to get a message across by any means necessary.

“Professional translation services stand as guardians of accuracy, reliability, and cultural sensitivity, offering businesses a strategic advantage in the global arena. In a world driven by information, the wise choice is clear – invest in the expertise of professional translators for a seamless and culturally resonant communication experience.”

He believes quality translations rely on two key things; language expertise and sector expertise.

“Whether it’s an engineer for technical documents or a lawyer for legal content, precision matters. At The Spanish Group, we value the practical importance of sector-specific skills in our translations, ensuring accuracy and relevance without unnecessary embellishments.

Industry-specialized translators play a crucial role in enhancing precision. Their expertise ensures that legal professionals can navigate complex documents with clarity and accuracy. These translators serve as essential facilitators, allowing seamless communication across diverse legal landscapes and languages. Their contribution empowers legal professionals to operate with confidence and proficiency.”

For people who need translation services for the first time, for example, to support a citizenship application or to complete a legal process in a foreign country, it can be tempting to save money by relying on free services. But that approach is laced with pitfalls. Numerous examples of AI-powered translations causing mishaps from asylum applications being rejected to incorrect medical directions being dispensed. Which is why Ordorica wants to set a global gold standard for professional translations.

“With translations, precision is paramount. Quality control isn’t just a process; it’s the assurance that every word, every nuance, accurately reflects the intended message. At The Spanish Group, we understand that meticulous quality control isn’t just a step in our workflow; it’s our commitment to delivering translations that meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.”

So if you’re thinking of asking ChatGPT to come on board as your official, unpaid, translation service provider, think again and discover why certified translations for official civil documents are essential.

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