An independent interpreter can save you a lot of time and money and avoid hassles down the track.
Clients tell us that they value having an independent interpreter present for important meetings. This way they find the flow of information is free, not censored, shortened or biased – they get the full picture – they mitigate the risks of misunderstanding and can make good decisions.
Here are a couple of real life examples where independent interpreting has helped our clients:
Case Study 1: A joint venture between Australia and China.
The board meetings are stacked with Chinese directors. The meetings start out well, and the China side’s interpreter is keeping up; after a while the Australian directors notice that not everything is being translated, or there are a lot of ‘asides’ or whispering going on and find themselves cut out of the discussion as it inevitably reverts to Mandarin. That is no way to make good decisions, develop trust and run a business. The Chinese directors say that interpreting takes too long; the Australians say that unless they are fully across all the discussions, they can’t do their jobs … The risk is high.
Solution: remote simultaneous interpreting – real time, live interpreting where attendees can listen in English when discussions are in Mandarin; and in Mandarin when English speakers are speaking – everyone is on the same level, no secrets, no suspicions; all done on zoom. Trained, experienced and fully prepared interpreters become the linchpin to a successful partnership. Questions and answers can be effectively delivered and there is no room for ‘asides’ or ‘whispers’.
Case Study 2: More and more businesses are being started by Chinese owners in Australia.
Many run off the rails or get into disputes due to poor understanding. How to navigate the Australian way of doing business. What about hiring staff and working cross-culturally and linguistically? Australian executives know the local landscape, but Chinese owners have different expectations and experience – how to bridge the gap and ensure compliance and safeguard the future of the business? Using internal staff as interpreters puts them in a tricky position. They may not be trained as interpreters so unaware of the obligations and techniques required, and may not have the nuance of language or local knowledge to do the job. Chinese bosses and Australian executives might be reluctant to discuss confidential issues through staff.
Solution: Hire an external Chinese Interpreter to attend regular meetings, prepare and study all the terminology and build up expertise and trust in the situation; frank and confidential discussions are held. Everyone from owners to management is clear on the requirements and direction of the company. No one is out of their comfort zone.
How to hire a Mandarin Interpreter – If you’d like to know how to find the right Mandarin Interpreter and what facilities you might need, contact one of our helpful interpreting team by email: or on 1300 792 446