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Translation Mandarin Chinese or English - Develop a Close Working Relationship with a Mandarin Chinese Translator/Interpreter Who Understands You and Will Help to Protect Your Interests
It goes for any language of course, but there is such competition in China business, you need all the cards stacked in your favour. Working with a professional and expert Chinese Language Interpreting and Translating business can be that extra insurance you need.
Don't leave interpreter recruitment to the last minute or you'll end up with a poor choice. Remember an interpreter contributes as much value as the presenter/speaker him/herself (if the interpreter is of high standard). Time and planning are essential to get the number one choice and to allow the interpreter to prepare for your important job.
Can you afford not to engage a professional interpreter in important business dealings?
What does an interpreter do?
When are interpreters used?
What language do I need to ask for?
What are the prerequisites to become an interpreter?
What is the difference between Community and International or Business interpreting and which one do I need?
Please explain the differences between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting
Why is it important to consider an interpreter during the planning phase of a project?
What sort of experience should I look for in an interpreter?
Why is it helpful to develop a relationship with an interpreter?
Can an organisation's reputation be harmed by an interpreter?
Can an untrained bilingual person be an interpreter?
How do I know if the interpreter did a good job?
How can a professional Australian interpreter add heaps of value for you
How should I work with an interpreter?
Q: What does an interpreter do?
A: Skilled, trained interpreters provide a bridge between participants in some type of interaction where not everyone speaks a common language. It might be an academic delivering a paper; a well-known identity facing a press conference, a president addressing Parliament. Through the interpreter, knowledge and understanding are achieved as the message gets through and barriers are removed.
The interpreter is not there to be a participant in the dialogue – simply to accurately convey ALL speech ACCURATELY and FULLY into the other language - conveying the meaning through appropriate word choice.The interpreting may be consecutive - the speaker speaks then pauses for the interpreter to interpret; or simultaneous - where interpreters work in teams with the use of technology and sound-proof booths, as occurs in the United Nations, for example.
Q: When are interpreters used?
A: Interpreters work in almost every facet of life - in community settings - for example a meeting between a non-English speaking client at a parent-teacher interview; they also are critical at international conferences where participants might come from dozens of countries speaking up to six or eight languages with teams of conference interpreters providing simultaneous interpretation into their languages on subjects as diverse as dog food and world peace. Interpreters assist with frequent visiting delegations of business people in Australia exploring options for commercial ventures, as well as in education and training, the court room, and much more.
Q: What language do I need to ask for?
A:One of the first questions we'll ask you is where are you going, or where are your visitors from - this will indicate clearly to us what language your interpreter needs. For example, if the engagement is with China - it will be Mandarin; if the audience is local Chinese from your city, we'll need to discuss what your aims are and who you are targetting.
There are many spoken languages amongst Chinese, although the key ones are Mandarin and Cantonese - Mandarin is the most frequent language for business, but Cantonese might be necessary for a group from Hong Kong or a local audience. Again talk to us and we'll advise so that you get it right. Find out more about the varieties of written and spoken Chinese to help select the right one for Translation Mandarin or Cantonese
Q: What are the prerequisites to become an interpreter?
A: Interpreters (and translators) are normally tertiary qualified in another language (other than their mother tongue), often with tertiary qualifications in a specialized field as well and frequently they hold postgraduate qualifications in the interpreting and translating specialization - so they are specialized interpreters and translators.
Australia accredits interpreters and translators via tertiary qualifications and an extensive testing programme. The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) was set up by the Federal Government in 1977. Unfortunately, in its pursuit of income, accrediting Chinese translators, in particular, has become lucrative and to be called a ‘Chinese Translator’ was as simple as passing a short test to gain migration entry to Australia. A translator can literally get off the plane and work, without having any understanding of the Australian situation at all and often inadequate English skills. So while we used to say that the engagement of a NAATI-accredited, qualified interpreter (translator) was the first pre-requisite, much more important now is professional, local experience, formal training and local knowledge.
Most dedicated translating practitioners belong to at least one professional association - in Australia this is the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) which provides on-going training, a code of ethics and a pool of resources through its members. Many practitioners also belong to specific language-group associations and other local and international organizations relevant to their languages and professional interests.
Q: What is the difference between Community and International or Business interpreting and which one do I need?
A: In Australia much of our business and trade and other links come from our geographic position - foreign languages of relevance are largely from the Asia-Pacific region. Languages spoken in communities in Australia are those where there are sizable populations of residents speaking those languages in Australia and community domain interpreters provide assistance with health, housing, human services, schooling, etc. Most interpreters in Australia work in this sector. Some languages are prominent in both community and business: Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) is one example, while Japanese is an example of a language used more for commercial and international spheres.
Few interpreters work at more senior, demanding levels (commercial/international) let alone in the conference circuit. It is hard to gain the necessary experience and requires very specialized skills. Most interpreters will never cope with business interpreting. If you require an interpreter for business events or conferences, make sure you select one with a proven track record in that area.
Q: Please explain the differences between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting
A: Most interpreting is done in the consecutive mode: speaker speaks, pauses, interpreter repeats what was said in the other language referring to notes taken in shorthand. Simultaneous or conference interpreting is a more demanding mode of interpreting where speaker and interpretation happens in real time with no delay. This mode is used in the United Nations.
International conferences around the world rely on the skill of teams of simultaneous interpreters to get important messages across to delegates. It is not possible to use consecutive interpreters in a conference format - you need double the amount of time for starters; secondly if more than two languages are involved, as is often the case with international conferences, teams of interpreters interpret the speech into their respective languages. Sometimes this involves what is known as 'relay interpreting'. For example the speaker speaks in Japanese, the Japanese interpreters interpret into English from where the other teams (could be multiple languages) then interpret into their respective languages. Such interpreting relies on the expertise of the interpreters; if one link breaks, all delegates miss out.
Consecutive interpreting relies on the fast note-taking skills of an interpreter to record and remember what has been said and to very quickly transfer to the other language. Speakers ought to pause every paragraph or so, otherwise it becomes more difficult to recall/record. Simultaneous interpretation relies on the fast transfer and accomplished language skills of the interpreter to listen through headphones in one language, while speaking the 'translation' through a microphone into the headsets of the delegates, as well as work with the technology. Almost doing 3 things at once!
Q: Why is it important to consider an interpreter during the planning phase of a project?
A: Organizations can spend an inordinate amount of time and money negotiating a deal or pitching for a huge project only to leave the choice or engagement of an interpreter to assist with getting that pitch across to the other side to the last minute, or worse, rely on the unknown and usually inadequate skills of an 'interpreter' accompanying the visitors from their home country. Leaving it till the last minute means you may not be able to hire an experienced interpreter and also leaves little time for the interpreter to prepare for the assignment by background reading, research and discussions and development of vocabulary lists. The outcome is almost certain to be less than satisfactory.
Whatever the goal of the presentation or meeting at least 50% of responsibility for getting the message across, appropriately and fully, lies with the interpreter. If the interpreter is unequal to the task and only gets 20 or 30% of the message across, or worse, makes errors, the result will not be what you wanted. It may not be the interpreter's fault having been engaged at the last minute and told "just do your best". So planning and preparation time are critical and the organization must allow sufficient time for the interpreter to prepare. If you are serious about the deal or event, the choice of the right interpreter is critical.Q: What sort of experience should I look for in an interpreter?
A: Like any profession, of course experience counts, but everyone has to start somewhere. The more experienced interpreters are in demand. They are tried, confident and proven and can provide references and recommendations. Experienced interpreters in your sector are invaluable, as they already have acquired the specialized vocabulary, may have a good working relationship with the presenters/executives and will really impress the visitors as everything runs smoothly with minimum interruption and maximum understanding. They can also assist when problems arise and advise the presenter of any issues such as body language or murmurings that need to be addressed.
Q: Why is it helpful to develop a relationship with an interpreter?
A: A good interpreter will make you and your organisation look great. Negotiations will be smoother and faster saving time and money. Your own interpreter knows you, your business, your style and terminology and is a valuable part of your team.
Those who don't get it will select any old interpreter or bilingual person not realising that in a negotiation a project's outcome is fully vested in accurate and complete interpreting. Savvy organizations select their interpreter (and translator) with care seeking recommendations and references, relevant experience at the appropriate level, an interpreter who will reflect the style of their organization and convey a very positive impression.
It is imperative to book your interpreter early, as good interpreters at senior levels may have many demands upon them.
Q: Can an organisation's reputation be harmed by an interpreter?
A: Yes, how would you know what the interpreter is saying if you don't speak both languages. A good example is business or training delegations - the visitors' window to Australian experience and knowledge is via an interpreter. An interpreter can make or break the venture. Overseas students can pay thousands of dollars to acquire an overseas qualification - a course delivered via interpreters. One needs to consider what goes into developing a course and enrolling students, also the expertise of the lecturers and presenters and the reputation of the college. In the classroom the expertise and capability of the teacher will only be 50% of the equation - the other half is invested in the interpreter and his/her accurate, complete and natural conveying of the material. If errors are made, or the complete story is not told - the course and students' success is threatened and at worst, Australia's reputation as a provider of such training harmed.
Q: Can an untrained bilingual person be an interpreter?
A: Theoretically, although by professional qualifications, they will not be recognised as such. If the person is untrained and inexperienced, they may flounder and harm may be done. In certain settings - courts, for example – interpreters must be qualified and accredited.
Students can sometimes make good interpreters. A student may be a specialist in the subject area and already know all the terminology. However, as the person has not been professionally trained and has limited experience what happens if they don't understand - do they seek clarification or simply leave bits out or even insert their own ideas - after all, they don't want to admit they weren't listening or didn't understand.
Another area where errors are frequently seen through the use of untrained interpreters is in the handling of questions. Questions are asked of the presenter which the 'student' or ‘staff’ interpreter answers - "after all - this is my subject area too" - leaving the presenter out of the loop. The presenter misses out on feedback and can never be sure that his/her message has been conveyed completely and he looks a bit like a shag on a rock.
Another telling example of inappropriate interpreting is where relatives (even children) are used as interpreters, for example in the health sector, when a health professional is discussing an illness with a patient. Think about the impact on the family and the child, say, if the child has to explain bad news.
Q: How do I know if the interpreter did a good job?
A: Presenters or organizers of events are not going to be aware of how capably the interpreter has undertaken the job - usually they are monolingual. Clues can be gleaned however:
Did questions from the visitors reveal shortcomings in the information? Were the questions relevant?
Did two or three sentences get interpreted as one or two words and vice versa?
Was the interpreter taking notes?
Did the audience talk amongst themselves or appear perplexed? Did they leave or not come back to later sessions?
Did the interpreter engage in discussions directly with the audience ignoring the presenter?
Q: How can a professional Australian interpreter add heaps of value for you
A:The best outcome for your business meeting, conference, training or other event will be realized from engaging local interpreters. Sometimes interpreters accompany groups from overseas, but beware – they are working for their side! Also Australian accents and colloquialisms are often difficult for overseas interpreters to understand. Furthermore, as the subjects being discussed will involve Australia's policies, institutions and practices - knowledge of local systems and structures will only come with the local interpreter.
The interpreter is not only the bridge between delegates and their Australian hosts - but also an ambassador for the Australian company and can add a lot of value to a visit in between sessions or while touring with interesting insights and anecdotes. The visitors' minds are a blank canvas and an interpreter can paint a great impression of Australia.
Frequently we work with ‘interpreters' who have come from overseas. More often than not, they are not professionally trained or experienced - simply the best or only English speaker available, or the next in line for an overseas trip.
Examples of errors from lack of knowledge include 'super' (superannuation) being interpreted as ‘superb'; board (board of directors) as a piece of wood; nursing home as an accommodation house for nurses; CEO – as an administrator - Australians like to abbreviate everything and problems inevitably arise.Q: How should I work with an interpreter?
A: Planning and preparation are essential as is engaging a good interpreter. The interpreter will need to acquire the relevant terminology and thoroughly research the topic therefore provide him/her with time and information.
Engage the right number of interpreters - international practice recommends that 2 or even 3 interpreters be engaged for intense assignments. Certainly for conferences, three to four is the norm. The demands on an interpreter - memory, concentration, note-taking and voice are unrelenting; he keeps working even when the presenter pauses, and usually, at an event, there are a number of speakers. It would be like sitting through an important lecture where you write down everything you hear and then read it back on the spot, not to mention transforming it into another language en route!
Speak in the first person to your audience pausing frequently (two to three sentences maximum) for consecutive interpreting. Do not look at the interpreter. If using microphones, ensure the interpreter has one too. Ensure that any papers or slide presentations are made available to the interpreters well in advance.For an account of the historic visit of President Hu to Australia and the first ever use of simultaneous interpreting in Australia's Parliament
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Phone 1300 792 446 Fax 61 3 9670 0766
Level 4, 221 Queen Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria Australia
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This page last updated 17/01/2012
CHINESE TRANSLATION SPECIALISTS
1300 792 446
What our clients say about us
The interpreters did a fantastic job in communicating at all levels and, at times, complex industry information and training terminology. They also had an ability to match the 'tone' of the presenter
I have been working with and through interpreters for over ten years, and this was the very best, most professional experience I've had – in fact, head and shoulders above nearly everyone else.
Dr Martha Morrow, Australian International Health Institute, The University of Melbourne, December 2005
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