Your Guide to Finding Chinese Translation Services to Meet Your Needs
When you begin the search for Chinese translation services, you may quickly discover the process of finding a language provider is more complicated than it first appears. It’s important to get clear about your needs so you can work with your translation team to get the results you’re looking for.
This article is designed to address the most common questions we hear from our global clients and point you in the right direction. At DTS Language Services, Inc., our goal is for clients to see us as more than an ordinary translation agency. We are here to lend our expertise as your language and cultural partner. So let’s dig in.
Did you know there are actually two ways to write Chinese characters? It’s true. The Chinese use a simplified version along with a traditional version of the language. As the name Simplified Chinese implies, the characters usually contain fewer strokes than the traditional version, although the pronunciation and meaning are the same. For some good examples of the differences between characters, see this article.
The history of Simplified Chinese is rather brief. The first complete system of simplified characters was developed in 1950 and the written language continues to evolve. After Mao Zedong declared the founding of the People’s Republic of China (what we refer to as the modern-day Chinese government) in 1949, the government decided to push for a new and easier way to write Chinese characters.
At this time in China’s history directly following the Chinese civil war, nearly 80% of the population was illiterate. The government thought creating Simplified Chinese would help to promote Chinese culture around the world and make it easier for the population to learn to read and write. While most living on the mainland today have abandoned Traditional Chinese, many scholars argue that keeping both versions alive is necessary.
Which version do you need for your Chinese translation? As a general rule, if your target readers live or come from mainland China, they use Simplified Chinese. If your target readers live or come from Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan, then they likely use Traditional Chinese characters.
As the world leader in population growth and Internet usage, China is an attractive market for companies looking to grow their customer base. To effectively communicate with native Chinese speakers, you will want professionals to handle all of your document translation from Chinese to English.
More Than Chinese Translation Services: Chinese Localization
It’s not difficult to see why startups and other companies with plans to expand set their sights on China. With 1.4 billion potential customers, a GDP of $13.6 trillion (USD), and the largest middle class population in the world, China is a great opportunity for Western businesses. Even in today’s global marketplace, though, you won’t succeed with the same business strategy for every country.
Given that there are two different written forms of Chinese, as well as several spoken dialect groups (e.g., Mandarin, Wu, Gan, Xiang), localization of your documents and marketing materials may be as important as ensuring accurate translations. For this reason, you will want to discuss any relevant details about your target audience with your language expert.
In addition, market research shows that the Chinese market in particular values respect, trust, patience, and flexibility. There’s no better way to convey to your potential audience that your organization understands these cultural nuances than with a strategy and messaging specially geared toward your new customer set.
Whether you need Chinese to English translation services, English to Chinese interpretation services, or Chinese localization services, DTS is here to help you grow every step of the way. We have a team of expert, professional Chinese translators with the experience necessary to support your business goals.
Chinese Translations for Multiple Use
Life Sciences and Medical Translation Services: Our Chinese translators with life science and medical subject matter expertise have worked around the world with some of the largest health care, pharmaceutical, and medical organizations. Our translation process is specially designed to adhere to strict industry standards. DTS is a well-recognized expert in life sciences localization.
Our Chinese translators in life sciences and medical translation services are trained to deliver quality document translations including:
- Chinese patient informed consent forms (ICF’s)
- Chinese patient information leaflets (PIL’s)
- Chinese regulatory documents
- Chinese manuals and instructions
- Chinese patient and clinical education materials
- Chinese brochures and web content
- And more
Technology, Software, and Website Translation & Localization Services: Whether your goal is to launch a new product or pitch an innovative technology service to a Chinese audience, DTS understands the importance of accurate technology translation services. Through our internal software localization department, we work with our Chinese translators to handle complex IT projects with tight turnarounds.
Here are some examples of how we can help:
- Chinese website translation
- Chinese user manuals (digital or print)
- Chinese marketing content
- Chinese systems engineering
- Chinese product catalogs
- Chinese labeling
- Chinese brand management
- Chinese multimedia content
- And more
Technical Translation and Manufacturing Translation Services: Our Chinese team has been involved in some of the most exciting technical and manufacturing projects happening in recent years. We understand the enormous potential for growth and innovation in this industry, but we also know that keeping up requires Chinese translators who are on top of their games. We deliver fast, accurate translations within budget and on time.
We help here by translating documents such as:
- Operator & Service Manuals
- Technical & Service Bulletins
- Human Machine Interfaces & Software
- Machine Labels & Safety Decals
- International RFQs
- Product & Parts Catalogs
- Product Data Sheets
- Training and User Manuals
- Instruction and User Guides
- And more
Financial Translation Services and Legal Translation and Transcription Services: With the strength of the Chinese economy being so evident, Chinese financial institutions are rapidly gaining market share. To compete in the Chinese market, it’s almost inevitable that you will need to communicate with financial experts in their native language. Also, the more business you do in China, the more likely you are to run into situations where you need to consult legal experts. This is another industry where our team excels.
Our Chinese financial and legal translators prepare documents including:
- Service agreements and contracts
- Regulatory and compliance documentation
- Data sheets
- Financial reports
- Fund facts sheets
- Depositions
- Client tapes
- Pleadings
- Police interrogations
- Court transcripts
- And more
Our interpreters, translators, and transcriptionists are held to the highest standards and have expert knowledge of terminology in your industry or field of expertise. If you are looking to “test drive” a new language services partner, we would love the chance to win your business.
Please fill out this form to request your document translation quote. Translation samples are available by request as well. Someone from our staff will be happy to chat with you about your professional language needs.
