Hello, hola, habari, salam alaikum, and muraho—these are just a few of the greetings spoken by Dallas ISD’s Translation Services team as they assist thousands of multilingual families.
With over 10 languages spoken, the team of 30 translators and interpreters work daily to bridge language barriers for students, parents, and more. Spanish is the most requested language, and other frequently spoken languages include Arabic, Swahili, Burmese, and Pashto. Last year, the department provided interpretation services to more than 20,000 parents and translated over one million words.
Adriana Saucedo, director of Translation Services, says for most of her team, this career choice is one of compassion.
“It never really feels like a job, it just feels like you’re helping a fellow human. We have so many languages in the district, and I think about how to assist all these parents and their children,” she said. “A lot of us are bilingual and grew up interpreting for our parents, so you develop a desire to help.”
The team’s services range from interpreting during community meetings and workshops to translating documents like flyers, curriculum, and the student code of conduct.
Reflecting on the department’s earlier days around 2013, Saucedo recalls how the hotline came to be a crucial tool for campuses.
“Back then, the majority of the front office staff at West Dallas Junior High (formerly known as Edison Middle School) didn’t speak Spanish so when parents came in, they would call our administrative assistant,” she said. “The executive director thought to have a line all schools could call to reach interpreters when they’re not at meetings or translating a document.”
As the need for these services continues to grow, the team remains dedicated to supporting families across the district.
Families seeking interpretation services can make requests through their respective campuses. Requests can’t be made directly through the Translation Services Department office at 9400 N. Central Expressway. For more information, visit dallasisd.org/translationservices.
The languages spoken by Dallas ISD’s Translation Services team include:
- ASL
- Arabic
- Burmese
- Chin
- Dari
- French
- Italian
- Kirundi
- Pashto
- Spanish
- Swahili
