Translating from English to Chinese

I am privileged to be naturally bilingual (English an Chinese), and because of this I am often placed in the situation of translating.  Being a translator is challenging work even for someone who is fluent in both languages because culture is so wrapped up in language and many aspects of culture don’t translate into the other easily.  The key to communicating cross culturally is to gain a deeper understanding of both cultures.  This takes a lot of time, will, and perseverance.  For a simple guide in speaking to a Chinese crowd, here are

Top Ten Do’s and Don’ts when you know your English is being translated into Chinese:

1.  DON’T say have fun.  The phrase “having fun” or any other derivative of it, “have fun” “had fun”, does not translate into Chinese.  Culturally, it’s simply not a concept that resonates with Chinese people.  It’s not that Chinese people don’t enjoy a good time, it’s that they don’t value fun as much as an English speaker might.

2.  DO speak in complete sentences.  Grammar structures vary between the two languages therefore sometimes you have to flip flop a sentence around in order for it to make sense.  Consider the sentence: Smoking in the elevator is prohibited.  In Chinese, I’d have to translate “prohibit smoking in the elevator” for it to make sense.   Go ahead and say the complete sentence so the translator can have the freedom to rearrange the structure before delivering the message.

3.  DON’T use names, places, or any other words that require capitalization unless you can be certain they are something/place that is well known across both cultures.  I know the Chinese name for Abraham Lincoln, but not Boise, Idaho. 

4.  DO stay within normal parameters of the English grammar and avoid slang. Play on words is fun when you’re speaking to other native speakers, but they do not translate well.  For example: “The biggest mistake of my life was hooking up with that girl.”  I can translate the meaning, that you had a relationship with this girl, but I won’t be able to convey whatever sentiment behind the usage of the phrase “hooking up” very well.

6. DON’T use sarcasm.  Sarcastic humor is largely a western phenomenon.  Chinese people for the most part can’t appreciate sarcasm and will take what you say literally which may easily result in offense.

7. Do tell light hearted anecdotes of human experiences which transcends both cultures.  Tell stories that you know Chinese people can relate to.  For example, everyone can relate to silly antics of toddlers.  This will lessen the pain of listening to a translation and immediately build a connection.

8. DON’T use idioms.  There are a handful of idioms that are in both English and Chinese, but unless you are extremely well read in both languages, you’re not going to know which ones they are.  Instead, try conveying the meaning of the idiom you’d like to use.  It may be less interesting, but what’s the point of being interesting if the audience won’t even understand the meaning?

9. DO pay attention to basic respect and civility in your words.  It is very hard for me to translate for somebody who is saying something degrading about Chinese culture.  The things in Chinese culture that irritates most likely will not irritate the Chinese, so a message about the discomfort of crowds will not translate well, and is simply disrespectful. 

10.  DON’T use affectionate words too much.  Chinese people express love much differently than Westerners.  I can only translate “I love you, God loves you, I love my Mom” so many times into Chinese before it starts making me squirm before my Chinese audience.