English to Chinese translation. If only it were that simple. Too many online translation
companies handle English to Chinese translation and Chinese-English translation
as if Chinese were a single language. And it isn't.
At Today
Translations, we understand that China is a unique country. It's
vast, rapidly developing and diverse, with huge regional differences. So, when
you ask for English to Chinese translation or Chinese-English translation, our
translator will always ask whether you want Simplified Chinese or Traditional
Chinese text.
Chinese-English translation and dialects
Chinese-English
translation is complicated by the huge number of dialects. Most of China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and other overseas Chinese communities
speak a form of Mandarin and/or Cantonese. However, written Simplified Chinese
and Traditional Chinese characters are regional. English to Chinese translations
for the mainland and most legal, contract, medical, technical and diplomatic
documents use Simplified Chinese. Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau generally use Traditional characters.
In mainland China,
Mandarin is the official language and the most popular dialect. Cantonese is
spoken in the Guangdong and Southern Guangsi
provinces of mainland China,
Hong Kong and Macau. For Chinese-English
translation, knowing about these things is vital for a local service for your
clients. So your translator will handle your English to Chinese translation or
Chinese-English translation so that it meets the exact local requirements.
Chinese to English Translation
At
Today Translations, simply providing you with an English to Chinese translation
would be too easy. That's why our online Chinese translation goes further. Your
Chinese translation uses the dialects and local nuances of the specific region.
Because we believe you deserve a totally professional English to Chinese translation.
Likewise, Chinese-English translation must conform to local custom. All
languages differ depending on where they're spoken, and English is no
exception. Differences are significant between the UK,
Ireland, United States, Canada,
Australia and New Zealand,
and a good Chinese-English translation will pick up on them.
Good Chinese to English translation recognises that American, British,
Australian and Canadian English are generally mutually understandable. However,
the differences are strong enough to cause misunderstandings or communication
failure. That's why your online Chinese-English translation at Today
Translations will be tailored for local markets.
What do we mean? Let's give some examples. Some words are written differently –
like 'organise' and 'organize', 'program' and 'programme'; while some British
words like 'naff', 'semi' or 'busk' would be unintelligible to Americans.
Likewise, many Britons wouldn't understand 'rutabaga', 'eggplant' or 'stool
pigeon'. 'Knocked up' sounds acceptable in the UK;
in the US,
it means to be impregnated. British 'nappies' must be changed for 'diapers'.
Only the best translation companies take this culturally sensitive approach to
translation and interpretation. At Today Translations, we go the extra mile to
guarantee your Chinese to English translation is culturally accurate.
Chinese to English translation will always fall foul of your target audience's expectations if it doesn't conform to the customs of the countries where English is spoken. As with other languages such as Arabic, Chinese, German, French, Russian, Spanish etc. the English language also varies depending on which country i.e. the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand the translation targeting.
When we handle a Chinese to English translation, we bear in mind that, despite the fact that American, British, Australian and even Canadian English are generally mutually understandable, there are strong enough differences to cause misunderstandings or even a complete communication failure. Therefore we supply a translator who understands localisation and the importance of tailoring your translation for that specific market.
The most relevant thing is that these differences aren't limited to the way words are written but also to interpretation (e.g. "organise" and "organize", "program" and "programme"). While some British words like "naff", "semi" or "busk" are usually unintelligible to an American citizen, many Britons will find it hard to interpret the meaning of "rutabaga", "eggplant" or even "stool pigeon". And caution should be taken in US when asking to be "knocked up". While in United Kingdom it means to be awakened with a knock on the door but in the US it means to be impregnated.
Translation and interpretation are extremely complex, culturally specific and culturally sensitive. Today Translations ensures your Chinese to English translation reflects these differences.
Email us today or call +44 (0) 845 034 7007 and speak to our friendly London online translation team for more information.
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