Why was Juan Ortiz chosen as Desoto's interpretor?

Answer 1

Juan Ortiz was chosen as De Soto's interpreter due to his unique background and skills. Having been captured by the Spanish and living among them, Ortiz was bilingual and familiar with both Spanish and the languages of the indigenous peoples in the region. His knowledge of local cultures and languages made him an invaluable asset for facilitating communication and fostering relations during De Soto's explorations in the southeastern United States.