Communicating with the Mandarin-speaking world has never been more crucial. China’s economy surpassed its most recent target, growing 5.3% year-on-year. Plus, with initiatives such as the Chinese government’s very own “Made in China 2025,” paired with a surge in manufacturing for industries such as robotics, there’s never been a better time to forge business relationships in China.
Effective, precise communication is clearly central to these opportunities – and with Mandarin in particular, it involves much more than mastery of complex vocabulary; it’s also a question of understanding the context, tone, cultural nuances, and, of course, etiquette. There’s also the issue of regional variations, which can influence both word choice and pronunciation.
Mandarin interpreting services often hold the key to smooth, successful communication. We’ve put together this handy guide that covers everything from the different types of Mandarin interpreting services to when to hire a professional, how to prepare, and how to get the most value from the interpreter you bring on board.
What does an interpreter actually do?
Let’s begin by exploring the role of an interpreter and how it differs from that of a translator. While the role of both language professionals is to enable speakers from different language backgrounds to communicate, an interpreter handles spoken language (usually in real time), while a translator works with written communication.
That means Mandarin interpreters are frequently required for exchanges such as business meetings or negotiations, as well as in legal settings, such as courtrooms or interviews, and during multilingual conferences or international summits.
As well as translating the meaning and original intent of the message, Mandarin interpreters also handle the cultural complexities. These include maintaining the indirect approach that Chinese speakers tend to favor, and rephrasing things in the most culturally appropriate way for each participant. For instance, Mandarin speakers may phrase things in an intentionally vague or polite way to preserve the sense of harmony that is so important in Chinese society.
Mandarin also has various forms of address, which show different levels of politeness depending on social hierarchy, age, or professional status. Interpreters also have to handle the many idiomatic expressions and historical references that permeate the language – and have no direct equivalent in English. This is particularly challenging with real-time interpretation, when linguists are under pressure to convey the precise meaning almost instantly.
What kind of interpreting do I need?
There are various forms of Mandarin interpreting services, and the most suitable choice depends on several factors, including location, number of participants, and the timings involve.
Here are some of the most common choices:
- Simultaneous interpreting
This type of interpreting happens in real time, so the words of the speaker are translated into the target language almost instantly. Simultaneous interpretation comes with some notable advantages, namely that this near-instant translation means communication can flow smoothly, and feel almost like a monolingual conversation. During a conference, participants can tune into the interpreter’s words and hear the speaker’s words in their preferred language, meaning they feel a part of the event.
However, simultaneous interpretation is not suitable all the time. For instance, it usually demands much more equipment than other types of interpreting, as well as plenty of space and time (to set up and test the equipment). This means it is not always practical, whether due to venue constraints, timings, or the interpreter’s proximity to the event.
- Consecutive interpreting
As the name implies, this type of interpreting happens consecutively – that’s to say, with a short pause between the speaker and the interpreter’s translation of their words in the target language. Often, the interpreter jots down notes while the first speaker talks, before reformulating them in the desired language.
- Over-the-phone interpretation
Sometimes, time is of the essence, and you need a Chinese-language interpreter with a moment’s notice. Perhaps one of the speakers also lives in a remote location or potentially even has an unstable internet connection. In situations like these, over-the-phone interpretation can prove invaluable. It simply requires a phone connection, and a Chinese interpreter can be connected right away.
Mandarin interpreter or Chinese interpreter: What’s the difference?
China is home to over 1.4 billion people. As such, it’s hardly surprising that there are several languages and dialects used! The most common one is indeed Mandarin, which is the official language of China and, consequently, the one most people mean when they refer to a “Chinese interpreter.”
In fact, there isn’t really a single language called “Chinese,” and when the term is used in a linguistic sense, people usually mean the group of related languages and dialects spoken across China.
Here are some of the main ones:
- Mandarin: Sometimes called Standard Chinese, Mandarin is China’s official language. It is by far the most widely spoken Chinese language, both within China and abroad – including by over three million people in the United States.
- Cantonese: This Chinese language is largely confined to the eastern part of the country, specifically Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau.
- Wu: Sometimes referred to as Shanghainese, this language is spoken in the Shanghai region.
There are also dozens of other languages spoken across China’s many regions, including various dialects and variants of those listed above. However, when most people talk about needing a Chinese interpreter, they’re usually looking for Mandarin interpreters.
Tips for preparing for a session
Good preparation is key in interpreting, and, in the long run, allows you to not only reduce cost but also improve outcomes:
- Brief the interpreter in advance, starting with the essentials, such as the purpose of the meeting or event and the participants and their backgrounds.
- Provide essential documents beforehand, allowing the interpreter adequate time to go through them.
- Explain any specific terminology that is likely to arise, providing a glossary of any highly specialized terms or acronyms.
- Share meeting materials (agendas, presentations, contracts) at least 24–48 hours ahead when possible.
- Go over any technical requirements and ask the interpreter whether they need anything else.
- Always be mindful that interpreting takes longer than speaking without a language barrier, and allow time for that when building schedules.
- Treat the interpreter as a colleague.
Capital Linguists’ Mandarin interpreting services
Whether for business, legal, or international events, Capital Linguists’ Mandarin interpreting services guarantee accurate and culturally sensitive communication. Our interpreters respect the intricacies of this ancient language, helping you connect effectively with Mandarin speakers.
