David Olson
Bogotá
Summary
Highly experienced Spanish Translator with proven track record of delivering precise interpretations and translations between English and Spanish. In-depth understanding of cultural nuances to effectively bridge communication. Dedicated to accuracy and reliability. Passionate Interpreter offering superior language experience to bridge communication gaps for better understanding and productivity. Employs empathic, mindful approach to avoid potential conflicts caused by lack of cultural knowledge. Operates well in both online and in-person scenarios, facilitating conversations despite scheduling issues or geographical limitations. Gifted Interpreter with aptitude for conveying emotion, style and content of Spanish speakers. Bringing in-depth knowledge of cultural context and idiosyncrasies. Proven to provide translations quickly and accurately developed over 50 years of experience.
Overview
55
55
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Court Interpreter - Spanish
New York State Unified Court System
12.2006 - 11.2023
- Enhanced courtroom efficiency by providing accurate and timely interpretation services for non-English speaking individuals.
- Streamlined legal proceedings by interpreting complex legal terminology to clients in their native language.
- Maintained professional demeanor while interpreting sensitive and emotionally charged content, ensuring unbiased communication between parties.
- Contributed to fair trial outcomes by offering clear and precise interpretations of witness testimonies and attorney arguments.
- Supported judicial system integrity with the consistent application of ethical guidelines during interpretation assignments.
- Promoted cultural awareness by addressing potential misunderstandings resulting from cultural differences or language barriers between parties.
- Increased access to justice for limited English proficient individuals by bridging the language gap in various legal matters.
- Adapted quickly to changing circumstances within the courtroom environment while maintaining professionalism under pressure.
- Strengthened community relations by assisting law enforcement agencies with interpretation services during investigations and interviews.
- Developed expertise in specialized legal vocabulary across diverse practice areas such as family law, criminal law, immigration law, and civil litigation cases.
- Ensured confidentiality of all interpreted information according to court regulations protecting privileged communications between parties involved in legal proceedings.
- Exhibited exceptional listening skills when interpreting simultaneous oral statements from multiple sources in a fast-paced courtroom setting.
- Facilitated smooth communication flow between judges, lawyers, witnesses, defendants, plaintiffs through consecutive interpretation techniques.
- Continuously improved linguistic skills through professional development opportunities such as workshops, seminars, and language courses to stay current with industry standards and best practices.
- Utilized active listening skills and cultural sensitivity to convey accurate interpretations.
- Interpreted remotely through video conferencing or phone to facilitate communication between parties unable to meet in person.
- Used knowledge of accepted ethical guidelines to interpret confidential and sensitive information.
- Maintained message content, tone, and emotion as closely as possible.
- Provided oral interpretations for clients during special events, successfully maintaining pace with native speakers to deliver real-time comprehension.
- Prepared for interpreting tasks by researching and gathering information about tasks beforehand.
- Collaborated with other interpreters to cross-check accuracy of interpretations.
- Facilitated communication between law enforcement personnel and individuals involved in crimes such as witnesses, persons of interest, and suspects.
- Interpreted conversations simultaneously to help both parties conduct business, handle medical needs or manage personal concerns.
- Assisted foreign language-speaking clients with inquiries.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread translated documents for accuracy.
- Stayed current on new expressions and cultural changes impacting language translation.
- Completed precise translations of official documents with correct words and phrasing to meet legal standards.
- Attended training programs to improve professional knowledge and interpretation skills.
- Maximized quality control of translated documents.
- Developed strategies to perform accurate and consistent translations.
- Assisted attorneys in preparing case materials, translating documents, and conducting client interviews for better case understanding.
- Improved client comprehension of court proceedings by providing concise interpretations during trials, hearings, and depositions.
Freelance Spanish Translator / Interpreter
Self Employed
01.2001 - 11.2023
- Enhanced communication by providing accurate translations of documents and presentations.
- Streamlined workflow for colleagues by offering real-time interpretation during meetings and conferences.
- Improved customer satisfaction by translating marketing materials into Spanish, tailoring content to specific target audiences.
- Assisted legal team with translation of contracts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local regulations.
- Ensured client satisfaction by delivering prompt and accurate translations of website content, manuals, and user guides.
- Collaborated with editors to refine translated content, enhancing readability while preserving original meaning.
- Developed expertise in specialized fields such as medical or technical translation through ongoing professional development courses and workshops.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks based on deadlines while maintaining high-quality work standards.
Freelance Instructor of English, Translator
Self-employed
02.1973 - 01.2001
- Improved student comprehension by incorporating diverse teaching methods and materials.
- Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
- Enhanced classroom collaboration through the implementation of group projects and team-building activities.
- Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
- Evaluated student assessments to identify areas of growth and improvement, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.
- Enhanced student comprehension and shortened learning process through new teaching methods.
Profesor of English as a Second Language
Universidad San Martin
02.1990 - 02.1994
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Professor of English as a Second Language
Universidad Javeriena
02.1970 - 01.1973
- Enhanced curriculum effectiveness by incorporating diverse literary perspectives and historical contexts.
- Developed strong student engagement with attention to critical thinking and analytical skills through interactive lectures.
- Contributed to departmental growth by collaborating on interdisciplinary course offerings and program development.
- Mentored junior faculty members, promoting professional development and academic success.
Professor of English and Linguistics
Universidad Del Valle
09.1968 - 08.1970
- Enhanced curriculum effectiveness by incorporating diverse literary perspectives and historical contexts.
- Developed strong student engagement with attention to critical thinking and analytical skills through interactive lectures.
- Contributed to departmental growth by collaborating on interdisciplinary course offerings and program development.
- Mentored junior faculty members, promoting professional development and academic success.
Education
A.B. - Linguistics, Spanish Linguistics
Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana06.1967
No Degree - Spanish Languange And Linguisitics
Universidad De Guadalajara
Guadalajara, Mexico1967
Associate of Arts - Zoology
Northern Iowa Community College
Mason City, Iowa06.1965
No Degree - Chemistry
Gustave Adolphus College
Saint Peter, Minnesota1964
High School Diploma -
Odebolt-Arthur Community School
Odebolt, Iowa05.1963
Skills
- Active Listening
- Team Collaboration
- Stress Tolerance
- Time Management
- Impartiality Maintenance
- Legal Document Translation
- Public Speaking
- Ethical Conduct
- Message Clarity
- Cross-Cultural Understanding
- Professional Demeanor
- Simultaneous Interpretation
- Verbal Communication
- Fluent Bilingualism
- Adaptability
- Sight Translation
- Legal Terminology Proficiency
- Confidentiality Adherence
- Proofreading Expertise
- Consecutive Interpretation
- Terminology Research
- Courtroom Etiquette
- Interpretation Accuracy
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Spanish Fluency
- Accuracy Verification
- Confidential Information Protection
- Accurate Translation
- Consecutive Translation
- Ethical Codes Adherence
- Word Conflict Identification
- Word Conflict Resolution
- Courtroom Procedures
- Proofreading
Affiliations
- ATA American Translators Association
- ANATI-O Colombian Association of Official Translators
- NAJIT National Association of Judicial Interpreters and Translators
Certification
Colombian Government Certified Translator/Interpreter 1989
New York State Official Court Interpreter/Translator 2002
Timeline
Court Interpreter - Spanish
New York State Unified Court System
12.2006 - 11.2023
Freelance Spanish Translator / Interpreter
Self Employed
01.2001 - 11.2023
Profesor of English as a Second Language
Universidad San Martin
02.1990 - 02.1994
Freelance Instructor of English, Translator
Self-employed
02.1973 - 01.2001
Professor of English as a Second Language
Universidad Javeriena
02.1970 - 01.1973
A.B. - Linguistics, Spanish Linguistics
Indiana University
No Degree - Spanish Languange And Linguisitics
Universidad De Guadalajara
Associate of Arts - Zoology
Northern Iowa Community College
No Degree - Chemistry
Gustave Adolphus College
High School Diploma -
Odebolt-Arthur Community School
Professor of English and Linguistics
Universidad Del Valle
09.1968 - 08.1970
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