TRANSLATING (converting anything written)
Client Challenge
A client reached out with questions about a Chinese translation we delivered, to ensure that the translations aligned with audience preferences. The client wanted to label one version Mandarin and the other Cantonese. But that was totally incorrect.
Our Response:
Written Chinese comes in two main forms:
🔹 Simplified characters (简体中文) – used in Mainland China and Singapore
🔹 Traditional characters (繁體中文) – used in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Spoken dialects, such as Mandarin and Cantonese, refer to how the non-phonetic characters are pronounced.
🔸 People in Beijing, for example, speak Mandarin and write in Simplified Chinese.
🔸 People in Hong Kong speak Cantonese and write in Traditional Chinese.
We confirmed that our delivered translation was in Simplified Chinese, as specified in the client’s request. This version is readable by speakers of both Mandarin and Cantonese, since written Chinese is standardized across all spoken dialects.
Client Takeaway
For digital content and language labeling, it's important to reference the written script rather than the spoken dialect. We advised the client to label their website options clearly as:
- 简体中文 = Simplified Chinese
- 繁體中文 = Traditional Chinese
Why It Matters
Accurate language labeling improves user experience and ensures your content reaches the right audience without confusion. Our team helps clients navigate these nuances so you can focus on your impact — not translation technicalities.
INTERPRETING (converting anything spoken)
Client challenge
In a recent government event, our interpreting team encountered a common yet critical issue -- a disconnect between the event requestor and the actual organizers.
The requestor had arranged for one Spanish interpreter to provide consecutive interpretation over Zoom.
Problem
However, once the meeting began, it became clear that the client had configured Zoom for simultaneous interpreting, which the interpreter was not prepared to do alone.
Our linguist interpreted simultaneously for two hours … which can quickly result in mental fatigue and mistakes. Standard labor practice for long sessions requires two interpreters as tag team, each working 20 to 30 minutes while the other mentally rests.
Compounding the confusion, public comment was expected to be done consecutively, but the simultaneous Zoom setting made that impossible.
Why it matters
Interpreting modes function differently in virtual vs. in-person settings. Event details must be shared with event organizers (such as us) — not just requestors -- to implement assignments correctly.
OPI [Over the Phone Interpreting]
How can you communicate if your supplier, distributor, prospect or client does not speak good English? Easily! With OPI. This method works 24/7 in over 100 languages and dialects through a professional, confidential telephone interpreter in a three-way conversation. Clients are charged at a low rate per minute, ONLY if OPI is used. No usage = No payment and No subscription.
Please contact us today to set up your OPI account … so that you can talk even if you can’t speak!
WHAT?
Sign in Mexico: “It is forbidden to trow NOTHING down the toilet.”
Sign in Brazil: “Pão com frios” which means “Bread with cold cuts.” But the English sign simply said “Bread with Cold.”
When the male American backpacker registered at his Scottish B&B, the proprietress asked him, “So at what time shall I knock you up in the morning, dearie?”
CONCLUSION
Dialects matter. Correct instructions matter. Your desired outcome matters. And of course, words matter. Do not rely on amateurs or AI to render your communications correctly IF you value precision and accuracy. Human interaction (you with us) is essential. Contact the experts with 35 years’ experience to make you shine, so you don’t end up on our Bloopers list!
Best wishes,
Philip Auerbach
Founder, President & CEO
Auerbach International
Headquarters - 415-592-0042
https://auerbach-intl.com
translations@auerbach-intl.com
“3 Decades. 2 Billion Words. A+ Accuracy. Superior Translation Services."
