Being an international business interpreter can be an exciting profession, especially when your duties require you to travel around the world, meeting and interacting with others, in order to enhance business negotiations for your company and/or clients. That being said, there is a tremendous amount of responsibility involved. In addition to language fluency, business interpreters must be very aware of the more subtle language and cultural nuances that affect business communication and negotiations for both parties. Interpreters must also have the ability and flexibility to travel and be away from home for extended periods of time.

According to , a partner of the American Job Center Network, the median salary for interpreters and translators is $45,430, however, many business interpreters make significantly higher salaries, depending on the availability of other interpreters for that language, their skill and experience level, and their clients’ budgets. Also, their travel and board expenses are included while they are working, which can be an added bonus for those who love to travel. The expected job growth through 2020 is 29 percent or higher, which is greater than average.

The following are some of the duties expected of an .

Speaking and Listening

The most important role a business interpreter plays is one of listening and speaking. Professional translators must have an incredible amount of focus in order to listen carefully, and accurately convey, the spoken word of their clients and the clients’ business associates. Business fluency is an entirely different level of language fluency, and a translator must be able to quickly and precisely synthesize the spoken word of two languages in order to communicate complex ideas as accurately as possible.

Cultural Sensitivities

Language is only a part of the communication equation. Therefore, a business interpreter also must be highly in tune with. He must be able to interpret the verbal cues, as well as particular body language or nonverbal cues from both parties in order to provide an accurate interpretation of the words spoken. For example, in Japan, it is considered rude to express a direct negative. So, a Japanese businessman will often use the word tabun, meaning “maybe”, to indicate he is unwilling to consider a specific idea or proposal. However, in American culture, the word maybe indicates there is a possibility. The interpreter must understand these differences in order to accurately convey his clients’ message and intentions.

Extensive Travel

In many cases, an international business interpreter will need to travel great distances, and for significant lengths of time. Therefore, his or her lifestyle and family must be able to accommodate these needs. While the idea of compensated, worldwide travel may seem glamorous, there is a good chance that the entirety of the trip will be all work, with very little free time for personal travel.

Technology and Media

Today’s interpreters must be well-versed in a wide range of high-tech . This can include using technology for presentations, to facilitate meetings, or to assist the clients in communicating with one another.

Reading and Writing

Technically, interpreters deal with the spoken word, while translators deal with written communication. However, in the world of business interpretation, the lines between interpreter and translator can cross. You may be presented with documents and texts that will need to be translated for either party in a quick, efficient, and accurate manner.

More than anything else, a successful business interpreter has an innate love of language and enjoys working closely with people in the exciting and fast-paced business world.

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Simultaneous interpretation is usually contrasted with consecutive interpretation. That said, the adjective “simultaneous” may be a misnomer in that, although the interpreter is still in the booth wearing headphones and speaking into a mic, the interpreter needs to wait until the sentence is understood and processed before interpreting.

Nonetheless, a simultaneous interpreter is listening and translating one idea out loud while parsing the next. Simultaneous interpretation is actually seen as more challenging because any impediment to fluid translation, (e.g., searching for a language’s countervailing idiom) means missing out on the next idea, lagging behind and ultimately not performing well.

Simultaneous Interpretation’s Tools of the Trade

Soundproof Booths

Industry insiders say that over 5,000 business and governmental conferences take place around the world every year. This puts a high premium on simultaneous interpreters having the right equipment from the start. Perhaps a starting point is having an interpretation booth that conforms to ISO standards. ISO standard booths furnish simultaneous interpreters with the best acoustic environment for many languages spoken simultaneously.
The best booths are also designed to provide clear visuals and two-way communication. A well-designed booth will have low operation costs, flexibility, require hardly any assembly and the ability to be expanded and connected later. High-end booths should feature: double plexiglass, air conditioning, lighting systems and soundproof flooring.

Interpretation Systems

Some of the basic features that all simultaneous interpretation systems should have are: a monitoring unit, microphone headset, transmitter, receivers with headsets and all necessary cables. A compact monitoring unit ensures that two interpreters can, in turn, listen to the presenter and convey the information to the other interpreter. Using the equipment in this manner increases concentration and competency.

Even the most affordable interpretation systems will start at around 250,000 square feet of coverage. This means that simultaneous interpreters will be covered for community groups, church convocations and extensive focus groups. For larger events, simultaneous interpreters will require wireless microphones; ideally, one handheld and one lapel-attached wireless microphone would be employed to streamline speeches as well as question-and-answer sessions.

IR Systems

For security purposes (and closely adjacent rooms) an IR system might be the best solution vs. an FM system. High-end IR systems will feature relay interpretation and separate volume and tone controls for two or more interpreters working together. Also, two or more microphones in an IR system allows smooth transitions among interpreters.
Another factor to consider with an IR system is that the infrared is unable to penetrate walls; therefore, an IR system with infrared capabilities is ideal for a high-level political setting. This is so because of the added security and diminished crosstalk that infrared-capable IR systems possess. IR systems should feature around two dozen receivers (with headsets) as well as carrying cases and applicable cables.

PA Systems

Especially for smaller venues, simultaneous interpreters require a field mixer, PA system or wireless microphones. Lapel and hand-held microphones are essential for wireless microphone packages. Also, field mixers can help ensure that translations sound crisp and clear, streamlining the transmission process.

Encrypted Systems

For added security, consider an encrypted, two-way listening system. The administrator can, in essence, lock-in volume and tone controls with a four-digit security key. This helps prevent last-second changes or accidents during simultaneous interpretation. These encrypted systems are usually harmonized to prevent interference as well.

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When conducting business in Russia, before you even arrive, it is important to familiarize yourself with the most important basic phrases. Learning some of the following will allow you to travel around more easily, communicate your needs to non-English speakers, and greet those you are working with in their own language.

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Greetings

Hello (formal) –��Zdravstvujte

Hi (informal) –��Privet

Good morning –��Dobroe utro

Good evening – Dobyj vecher

How are you? (formal) –��Kak vy pozhivaete?

How’s it going? (informal) –��Kak dela?

I’m fine –��U menia vsio horosho

Fine, thanks, and you? – Horosho spasibo, a vy?

Glad to meet you –��Rad vstreche c toboi

Introductions

My name is… –��Menja zovut…

What’s your name? –��Kak vas zovut?

Where are you from? –��Otkuda vy?

I am from… –��Ja iz…

Partings

Goodbye –��Do svidanija

Goodnight –��Spokojnoj nochi

So long –��Poka

See you later –��Uvidemsia pozjue

I must be going –��Ja dolzhen idti (masculine) / Ja dolzhna idti (feminine).

Hope we’ll meet again –��Nadejus’, my eschjo uvidimsja

Basic Phrases

Yes –��Da

No –��Net

Maybe – Mozhet byt’

I know – Ia znaiu

I don’t know – Ian e znaiu

Let me think – Duy mne podumat’

Not now – Ne sejchas

Please – Pojaluista

Thank you –��Spasibo

Thank you very much –��Bol’shoe spasibo

You’re welcome –��Pozhalujsta

Excuse me –��Isvini

I’m sorry –��Ia sojaleiu

Sure –��Konechno

I don’t speak Russian –��Ja ne govorju po-russki

I only speak a little Russian –��Ja nemnogo govorju po-russki

What did you say? –��Shto te skasla? (masculine) / Shto te skasala? (feminine)

I understand –��Ja ponimaju

I don’t understand –��Ja ne ponimaju

Speak slowly –��Govorite medlenno

Repeat, please –��Povtorite, pozhalujsta

Help! –��Pomogite!

Interrogatives

Who? –��Kto?

Who is this? –��Kto eto?

Who is there? –��Kto tam?

What? –��Chto?

What is it called? –��Kak eto nazyvaetsja?

What’s the matter? –��V chjom delo?

Where? –��Gde?

Where from? –��Otkuda?

Where are we? –��Gde my?

Where is that? –��Gdeeto?

When? –��Kogda?

How? –��Kak?

How much? –��Skol’ko?

How much money? –��Skol’ko deneg?

How much time? –��Skol’ko vremeni?

Why? –��Pochemu?

Which? –��Kakoj?

Office Vocabulary

Chair –��Stul

Desk –��Pis’myennyj stol

Computer –��Komp’yutyerom

Telephone – Tyelyefon

Pencil –��Karandash

Résumé –��Ryezyumye

Email –��Imyeil

Email address –��Adryes elektronnoj pochty

Attachment –��Prikryeplyonnij fajl

Interview –��Ntyerv’yu

Fax –��Faks

Manager –��Yenyedzhyer

Boss –��Nachal’nik

Coworker –��Kollyega

Client –��Kliyent

Useful Work Phrases

Here is my card –��Vot moia kartochka

Come to my office –��Prihodi ko mne v ofice

What’s your email? –��Kakoj u vas imyeil?

Do you have an email? –��U vas yest’ imyeil?

I’ll email you –��Ya poshlyu tyebye imejl

Call me please –��Pozvonitye mnye pozhalujsta

My phone number is… –��Moj nomyer tyelyefona…

To avoid having to memorizing all of the above, keep this list with you for quick reference while on your business trip. If need more than just a few phrases, we offer comprehensive translation and interpretation services in Russian, including dedicated support for business events in Moscow.

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Having an interpreter at a business meeting can prove to be a huge asset when you are doing business with international clients and business prospects.

So, when is it appropriate to provide an interpreter to help you conduct international business more easily? When you’re dealing with clients that do not speak your language comfortably or at all you may find that there will be difficulty in getting your point across clearly.

Interpreters help to ease the burden of those communication hiccups that can truly make or break a deal. It’s important to find a company that has proven results with their interpreters and has a group of interpreters who are educated in interpretation and have experience under their belts. So, do your homework as you prepare to include interpretation services as part of your meeting.

The first thing that you want to do with your interpretation provider is conduct a pre-meeting to establish some good ground rules for the upcoming meeting. This will help to alleviate any miscommunication and help you to understand how to make the process of communicating through an interpreter more streamlined. For instance, you can inform them about the meeting structure as well as the meeting agenda. Find out how often you should pause in between sentences to help them interpret seamlessly, how seating should be arranged, and even the types of phrases and jargon that may not translate over easily to the language of choice.

When you have the meeting with the interpreter, allow them to understand what points will be key during your presentation or discussion. Provide your pitch or presentation ahead of time so that they can point out any potential issues in translation. This will allow you to tweak your verbiage in preparation for the process. If you plan on giving a speech, give the interpreter a copy so that they can familiarize themselves with the content and key points. This will help them to interpret with conviction and understanding.

When you’re holding a meeting with an interpreter involved, it cannot be rushed. Be prepared to have twice as much time blocked out for the meeting than you usually would so that it’s not a hurried process. Make your client and the interpreter as comfortable as possible, including having water and/or refreshments on hand.

You want to be succinct in your ideas and thoughts so that points will stand out boldly. Try your best to avoid humor, as that does not usually translate well and can lead to confusion instead of laughter. Remember, you’re speaking through an interpreter, but you’re getting your ideas across to the prospect or client, so keep them engaged at all times. Eye contact with your client is key, you want them to feel as though you are speaking directly to them, even though there is someone in the room that is interpreting your words into their language.

By following these guidelines, you can rest assured that you will have a relaxed, stress free environment as you conduct business with an international client through an interpreter. This will keep the tone��of the room calm and that will easily be expressed through the interpreter on to your client, which is exactly what you want. Remember, the interpreter is there to make your job easier, so partner with them as if they were a business colleague, trust that they will relay your message with expertise, and don’t be nervous! Once you get the hang of it, working with an interpreter will become easier with time and your business dealings will only continue to expand as a result.

Let CCA help you plan your next international meeting. We will provide the interpretation tools to help you succeed.

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As you make your way across the United States, you will hear similar words with different meanings. For example, if you are on either of the coasts, the word��dinner��means the last, and often largest, meal of the day. However, to older generations in the south or Midwest,��dinner��means the largest middle meal of the day, while��supper��refers the last meal of the day. These regional differences, which can result in entirely different dialects over time, are common to most nations in the world. The��People’s Republic of China��(PRC) and Taiwan are no different. While the basic spoken language is the same, Mandarin, there are slight variations in pronunciation and word use, and the written languages vary as well.

3 Differences Between Chinese in the PRC and Taiwan

It’s important to note that the differences between Chinese in the PRC and Taiwan are not dramatic. If you are familiar with one, it will be easy to transition to the other. That being said, there are some basic��language differences between China and Taiwan��that boil down to pronunciation, variations in word usage, and the way the characters are written. Both countries speak Mandarin Chinese, derived from the Beijing dialect. However, when Taiwan split politically from mainland China back in 1949, there was a virtual lack of communication that ensued throughout the cold war period. It’s this absence of communication that caused the linguistic differences we see – and hear – today.

Pronunciation

For those who are not familiar with Chinese, or are just learning, the pronunciation differences would hardly be noticed. However, for those who are from the PRC, Taiwan, or are fluent in Chinese, the pronunciation differences are noticeable. They are not enough to hinder comprehension, but they are strong enough to demonstrate whether you are from mainland China or Taiwan, where you studied, or perhaps where your main instructors were from.

The most noticeable differences occur between what are called the retroflex initials (zh, ch, sh, r) versus their non-retroflex counterparts (z, c, and s). In the PRC, there is an obvious difference in the way the retroflex and non-retroflex initials are pronounced. In Taiwan, this difference is much less noticeable, for example the��sh��and��s��sounds are almost identical.

Chinese Characters

If you had to guess whether the Chinese characters are more traditional in mainland China or Taiwan, which would you guess? It might surprise you that the most traditional characters��are written in Taiwan, whereas most writing on the mainland is done using a simplified version. While formal texts in China may still use traditional characters, most everyday professional, business, and literature-based texts uses the simplified form. This makes it difficult for those who learn Chinese in the PRC to write “correctly” in Taiwan. However, most Taiwanese people will be able to read simplified characters.

Words

You will notice a slight difference between spoken Chinese in the PRC and Taiwan as well. An anecdote from an article in the����shares how a Taiwanese professor was a little surprised when he was offered a “coffee companion,” which means “cream” in China. Or menus that offer sliced “tu dou,” which means potato in China, but peanut in Taiwan. These slight differences would certainly give a fluent speaker pause from time to time, but won’t have a negative effect on casual conversation.

And, that is the gist when it comes to the difference between Chinese in the PRC and Taiwan; while it won’t cause any major communication gaffes while traveling for pleasure, it’s important that business documents and professional translations are done with care so they are error-free.

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International business meetings are where manifest. Every culture has its own interpretation of professional conduct and etiquette, and definitely has its own corporate rules too. As a result, professionals can and do clash during such meetings. Language barriers, for instance, can make communication difficult. It slows down the pace of a negotiation, and thus delays progress. Or worse, it may prevent you from fully understanding the terms of a contract.

Below are some ways to prepare for an effective multi-cultural meeting and avoid a clash.

Find a Suitable Time

Time zones and meeting times do affect the success of your international meeting. Setting the right time, however, can be a bit tricky if you’re dealing with people around the world. You can easily accomplish this by using online tools that help you visualize working hours in different time zones. Be sure to get the correct time zone conversion before sending out meeting invitations.

Also, every culture has a different approach to time. Some, like the British and Germans, are time-oriented and are strict about how and when meetings are conducted. Other cultures are much more flexible. While you can’t accommodate everyone’s expectations, it helps to carefully plan each phase of the meeting.

It also helps to rotate meeting times (that is, “share the pain”) if you regularly hold international meetings.

Allow Plenty of Time for Preparation

Since not everyone is a native speaker or don’t speak the same language, it’s important to give delegates enough time to review the materials. Send them out at least 48 hours in advance so that delegates can thoroughly prepare, understand the agenda, and raise the right questions.

Make sure everyone knows the purpose of the meeting. If you can, contact the participants individually and discuss what is expected of them. The point is they should know what role they should play and carry it out effectively.

Coming to the meeting prepared makes it easy for everyone to collaborate and run a successful meeting.

Hire Competent Business Interpreters and Translators

Ordinary translators won’t do. For an international meeting to be successful, you need a team of qualified interpreters who fully understand how business works. You need skilled professionals who can effectively communicate between different parties and offer insights into the cultural nuances of a particular culture. These business interpreters are certainly a worthy investment.

Make it Easy for Everyone to Communicate

Speak more slowly and pause for questions or confirmations. This will help non-native speakers process what you’re saying and follow your idea or statement.

Lengthy pauses, especially after a few minutes of speaking, will give members time to think of questions, evaluate their options or rethink their position. This strategy works especially if you’re trying to convince a foreign client. He or she may need some extra time to think about your offer or fully understand the importance of your message. So pause for questions. Just don’t make it feel uncomfortably long.

Send Detailed Minutes and Materials After the Meeting

International meetings are successful only when they yield results. That’s why you need to follow up after the meeting and remind everyone what needs to be done. You can, along with your detailed minutes, include action items and notes. These will help participants review what was previously discussed and make sure that you’re working on the same wavelength.

One more final tip: make your international meetings relaxed and enjoyable. Have everyone introduce themselves at the beginning and put them all at ease.

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