Just after writing of my own struggles with Chinese business vocabulary a few days ago, I read today that I am not the only one with these struggles. Evidentally, finding Chinese translators (that is, Chinese nationals, native speakers) who know all these detailed Chinese words is not so easy either.
That sure makes me feel better. And it certainly explains why I often feel Chinese people, sometimes even those working within the industry in question, do not know all the words I thought they would know. This only reaffirms the need for good translators, good sourcing consultants, and a spoon full of preparation for successful business dealings in China.
DiligenceChina has an excellent article strongly encouraging foreign companies to find the right translators in China. In that article, Andrew Hupert writes this:
Technical details are deal killers. Everything has a name in Chinese, though not every Chinese person knows them all. Are you negotiating for a specific type of chemical or some white powder? Make sure your translator has a list of common phrases, and copies of any notes or presentation you will be working with. Translators are fast and flawless in movies, but in real life they can be slow, inaccurate and vague. Be aware of this. Your message is not 100% guaranteed to get across the first time. Translators are not lawyers and cannot give worthwhile advice about contracts, Chinese law, finance or physics.
Dead on! A translator may be experienced and talented, but that does not mean they know every little detailed word in your specific field.
Sure, it is possible to find good Chinese translators, but how can you qualify if they are good or not? In the big Chinese cities, ways exist to know you are hiring quality people. Out in the more developing parts of China, things are a bit more complex.
Not only are there a dazzling amount of dialects and accents of Chinese, but in these parts, business is often communicated in completely different languages, those of the minority people. Know the situation. Prepare. And do not send in an unprepared lamb among a pack of wolves: prepare the translator as best you can.
