translator in china

translator in china
Mar 29, 2010 15:50
guest18526	Hi guys! I have a questions that's kind of important. I'm travelling China for the first time to beijing and Shanghai. It is a full business trip and I will be going to many difference factories and meetings with people I have never meed before. Do you think in general I will need translator to communicate with these people? They seem to be able to write through email fine but I don't have any idea how good their english is. And I am going to a trade fair, will the people there be able to speak English?

Mar 29, 2010 15:50

guest18526

Hi guys!
I have a questions that's kind of important. I'm travelling China for the first time to beijing and Shanghai.
It is a full business trip and I will be going to many difference factories and meetings with people I have never meed before.

Do you think in general I will need translator to communicate with these people? They seem to be able to write through email fine but I don't have any idea how good their english is.

And I am going to a trade fair, will the people there be able to speak English?

Mar 30, 2010 00:00

ELLYSE
Points:
Join Date: Oct 30, 2005
Status: Offline

Unfortunately a lot of Chinese learn "dumb English" -- their reading and writing is better than their spoken English.
It would be much better to get yourself a translator rather than relying on guesswork. Your own translator will be "on your side" rather than trying to help the Chinese contacts. To "save face", sometimes the Chinese will pretend to understand what you're saying although they might not be 100% clear about it.
If you need help with anything, email me at yahoo.com|ellyse99 and put "TravelChinaGuide" and your own username in the subject line, thanks.

Mar 31, 2010 04:24

HERBEAT
Points:
Join Date: Mar 17, 2009
Status: Offline

Hmm... as far as I know, a lot of factories have Chinese who could speak English as well... And they concern the international guests well... even if they don't have anyone who could speak English, they would hire one for you. So that's not the reason to find a translator... Somehow I don't agree with the "face" part, Ellyse might be an expert on tour but that doesn't mean she could make the generalization. As for both you and your business, to hire a translator would make your trip much safer, organized and more comfortable. So I also suggest you to get a translator^-^ Anyway, wish you a good time...

Mar 31, 2010 04:32	#3
ELLYSE Points: Join Date: Oct 30, 2005 Status: Offline	Read carefully. I did not say that Chinese don't speak English. Neither did I make generalisations but that's could be one of the reasons for what's happening.

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