English Chinese / Chinese English Translate, Interpret Mandarin, Consecutive, Simultaneous Interpreting, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Characters…

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What do I Need to Make the Right Impression?

Your Questions Answered

These questions have been asked of us over the years and we’ve compiled them into a list to assist you with your Chinese translating and interpreting problems.

If you have a questions that is not here, or on our extended list

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• I have a document that needs to be translated - what should I do?
• I can't read Chinese. How do I know that my translation says what it is supposed to?
• How should I work with an interpreter to get the best result?
• Why is translating and interpreting important?
• I think I need an interpreter - what should I do?
• What is the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting?
• How does a person qualify as a translator/interpreter?
• How can I select a good interpreter or translator?
• Can I use computer software to translate documents?
• I have a brochure I need in Chinese - how do I produce this?
• I need a Chinese business card - how do I produce this?
• What is the difference between Cantonese and Mandarin?
• Why is it called Mandarin?

Q: I have a document that needs to be translated - what should I do?

A: It depends on a few key issues and we'll ask you some questions to ensure the best outcome for you. To organise Chinese English or English Chinese translation find out the important steps to take. We will work through the steps with you and advise you, then do the required translation so that you get the best result. If your document is in Chinese you need to know what it says ASAP; give us any background on your business and and why it might be critical to your success. We'll translate the document with this information in mind. If you are targeting Chinese from different countries, you'll need to ensure that the appropriate version of Chinese is used - again we'll guide you to ensure no rejections. We'll even advise on your text to ensure it is culturally appropriate and including any designs.

Whoever you are writing for, it is vital to translate your information into the right version of culturally appropriate Chinese. You must arrange quality translations, not some Chinglish variety that puts your business at risk.

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Q: I can't read Chinese. How do I know that my translation that says what it is supposed to?

A: Do you know who you are dealing with - here are some helpful questions to find out about a translation company and whether they can be trusted with your important work: What sort of experience do they have. Do they offer a guarantee. Do they work in your sector and have relevant expertise. Are they professionally qualified. Do they talk to you and ask questions. Do they have testimonials or referees you can speak to. Have they been around a while. Do they provide helpful advice and information for you. Do you know where their office is (not in cyberspace). Will you be able to find them if something goes wrong. Are they charging professional fees (you get what you pay for). Do they have relevant industry memberships and qualifications that you can verify. Ask around - talk to industry associations, colleagues, ask questions and check references. 
JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE CALLS THEMSELVES A 'TRANSLATOR' DOESN'T MEAN THEY ARE - In many countries anyone who speaks another language (even badly) can represent themselves as translators -  they find their way to our English Chinese translation bloopers.
We'll work with you to fine tune the words, ensure you are represented 100% correctly and let you know if there is something else you need to consider or do to get your message across confidently so that it is well received.

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Q: How should I work with an interpreter to get the best result?

A: NUMBER ONE - HAVE YOUR OWN INTERPRETER 
First and foremost in business meetings you need to have your own interpreter on your side looking after your interests. If you rely on the other side's interpreter, you won't get the deal you want - they will. 

HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF THE INTERPRETER 
Speak directly to your client (not the interpreter) and always use the first person. For example: use "How are you?" rather than, "Ask him how he is." 
Use short sentences and do not speak for too long or the interpreter may not be able to record or remember everything. 
Choose language which is easy to understand and explain any difficult terms and concepts. 
Try to avoid using slang or colloquialisms as these are very hard or, in most cases, impossible to interpret. 
Depending on the subject, it may be necessary to brief the interpreter prior to the meeting, particularly in relation to technical or complex matters. 
Providing a list of terminology in advance will ensure that the interpreter can prepare adequately. 
As much or more time will be put into preparation than in the actual interpreting work.Find out more about Mandarin Interpreting and how to ensure success.
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Q: Why is translating and interpreting important?

A: In China, all business with the West is conducted with the help of translators and interpreters.  In Australia we often forget this and assume that the other side must speak English - WRONG. To even get to the negotiating table, you need to have your materials translated, your interpreter by your side looking after YOUR OWN interests and ensuring you get the deal you want.

Translators (and interpreters) will continue to play a crucial role in transferring information across language barriers enabling international understanding and globalisation to expand. Australia, with a population of 22 million will only survive in a global economy by expanding its trade. Good communication and strong relationships with overseas clients are essential to winning business. Asia's hyper-crowded market is extremely competitive so expert language assistance will provide a competitive edge.

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Q: I think I need an interpreter - what should I do?

A: If you are organising an event at which not everyone speaks the same language, you need to plan to engage an interpreter/s. There are a number of questions to consider: what language/s are going to be spoken? What type of event is it? What is the subject matter to be discussed? What, when, where, why, how and who are good questions to start with. Chinese Interpreting will assist you in your planning.

There are two main modes of interpreting: Consecutive and Simultaneous. Consecutive means that the speaker speaks, pauses while the interpreter interprets what was just said, and then resumes - and so on. Simultaneous means just that - at the same time the audience hears in their language/s what the speaker is saying. This is achieved with the aid of technology and highly trained interpreters who can listen in headphones to the words in one language, make the transfer to another language and speak it - all simultaneously. Nicole Kidman brought this occupation to our attention in The Interpreter Movie in 2005. All interpreters need training and practice - they need to deliver the translated words accurately, faithfully and without delay. In the case of simultaneous interpreting, specialised equipment must be used including head-sets for the delegates to listen to the interpreter/s and sound-proof booths for the interpreters to work in - English Chinese Simultaneous Interpreting Advice to help you stage a great event.

Time is another important consideration: for interpreting to be delivered in Consecutive mode, the event timing will need to double; timing is also relevant in order to secure experienced interpreters, you will need to make the arrangements and bookings well in advance, especially to secure Simultaneous Interpreters.

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Q:What is the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting

A: As the names suggest, consecutive interpreting occurs when a speaker speaks, pauses and then the interpreter interprets what was just said; simultaneous interpreting occurs in real time with no delay. The speaker speaks, interpreters (there needs to be a team of at least 2 interpreters) listen through headphones and interpret at the same time into the other language. This mode of interpreting requires specialised equipment: soundproof booths, headphones, receivers, and headsets for the listeners. As this is the most demanding type of interpreting, interpreters are usually specially trained to be capable of working in this mode. Costs are higher too as provision of the specialised facilities and technical support and a team of interpreters need to be factored in.

Preparation is always important for any interpreting work - quality depends on preparation and nowhere is this more evident than in simultaneous interpreting. There is little time for an interpreter to think, to find a specific term, or of course it is not possible to ask for clarification; interpreters need to prepare and therefore require detailed background information, copies of speeches and presentations and any previous translations to assist them. Good preparation plus quality interpreters equals a good result

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Q: How does a person qualify as a translator/interpreter?

A: In Australia, translation is generally a profession for graduates from various disciplines. There are some postgraduate courses available to train students to be interpreters and translators. To practice as an interpreter or translator, it is necessary to be accredited by NAATI - the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. NAATI was first established in 1977 by the Federal Government. It is now an independent body with the objectives of establishing and maintaining professional standards, and developing and implementing an accreditation process.  That is the starting point.

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Q: How can I select a good interpreter or translator?

A: To be a translator or interpreter requires professional training and expertise. It is not necessarily any bilingual person who makes a good interpreter or translator, although this may appear to be the only prerequisite. Fluency in two or more languages does not ensure that the person is going to be good at managing the process of transfer between two languages. Translators need to be more than bilingual. They need to have a genuine interest in language, be quick to absorb linguistic information, learn new words and to note how language is used in different situations. More than ever in the global economy, they need to be able to access and assimilate new information and present it using new technology.

It is important to ensure that the person has professional accreditation through NAATI (see previous question). As well, membership of AUSIT (The Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators) should ensure that the interpreter/translator is a professional who takes the quality and ethics of his/her profession very seriously. AUSIT was established as a national organisation in 1987 and is an independent association with branches Australia-wide. A national newsletter is produced quarterly and professional development workshops and seminars held to advance standards. Other objectives include upholding ethical standards, promoting professional interests, rights and recognition of members, encouraging improvement in the utilisation of interpreters/translators, amongst others. Qualifications, accreditation, membership are three components that are relatively easy to check out; the other aspects such as experience, references and ability can be gleaned from discussions.

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Q: Can I use computer software to translate documents?

A: There are a number of multilingual translation tools available on the web. While translations of languages using the Roman alphabet work to a reasonable degree of accuracy, for character-based languages the accuracy is poor. A qualified translator would probably spend more time correcting the translation than they would translating the document from scratch. This is because computers can only do literal translations; context is not able to be understood, nor are idioms and proper names. Where there are a number of meanings for a word, the computer will select one randomly, and sentence structure is also poorly rendered. How do you program common sense? see our Bloopers for some more reasons why human translators win out every time, and Would You Trust a Computer with Your Translation News Items and Events.

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Q: I have a brochure I need in Chinese - how do I produce this?

A: With a text in one of the Microsoft programs, you can install the system font for Chinese - you just need to know if the audience is from China, Hong Kong or Taiwan (or elsewhere) to select the appropriate version of Chinese. (For more background on the different versions of Chinese) Your text can be translated to the appropriate form of Chinese by a translator and you will be able to display it using that system font whether in Word, Powerpoint, Excel, etc. 
When it comes to publishing and printer formats - that is a different story. Many programs like Quark and Pagemaker have specific Chinese Language versions; others like InDesign have limited Chinese fonts available. To do justice to a professional design, expertise and specialised software are both required - this is desktop publishing or foreign language typesetting. In addition, foreign language typesetters usually have a vast selection of fonts which makes the one system font available to you very boring! Problems with punctuation and justification of Chinese text in particular arise from inexperienced operators.

While Chinese text takes less space than the original English, be aware that most other languages take up to 30% more space than English, so if your spacing is already tight, the only option might be a reduction in font size.

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Q: I need a business card in Chinese - how do I produce this?

Business cards are often very complex to translate. Titles can be very confusing and it is important to understand the overall hierarchy and company structure to attach sufficient seniority to the owner (hierarchies and titles are vital in China). Company and personal names can be equally challenging and may require discussion and research. Professional titles and qualifications ought to be included - in this case Chinese usually takes more space than the abbreviated qualifications we usually adopt in English. Once the translation has been carefully crafted, it needs to be laid out in the design program according to Chinese requirements with appropriate fonts chosen. There are other standards for appropriate business card creation: For more information about name translation and business cards.

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Q: What is the difference between Cantonese and Mandarin?

A: In mainland China there are 8 main (spoken) dialects, each of which could be called a language. Mandarin is the official language of the People's Republic of China, so theoretically everyone understands it and speaks it (but with varying accents). Cantonese is spoken in Guangdong Province, in part of Guangxi Province (west of Guangdong) and in Hong Kong and Macau. In Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces, most people understand Mandarin as well, but in Hong Kong, the main second language is English, although following the Handover of Hong Kong, there has been a surge of interest in learning Mandarin and it is now widely spoken too. The written language is basically the same, although there are old (complex) and new (simplified characters) used for writing. The old characters are still used in Hong Kong and Taiwan. For a more detailed explanation on Chinese Language and which one you need in your Chinese translation.

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Q: Why is it called Mandarin?

A: Mandarin was the language spoken by the Mandarins in the palace. It was greatly influenced by the Manchu foreign invaders in 1644 when the Ming Dynasty was overthrown and the Qing Dynasty rose. Foreigners coined the term 'Mandarin' for the language because it was the language of the officials. Many Chinese, however, are not familiar with the word 'Mandarin', and refer to the language as Putonghua, or Guoyu, or simply Chinese.

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