Pitfall #9 - Communication Problems
Ok, this one is pretty obvious. Mandarin is a complex language far different from English. I've learned to speak and understand a bit and want to learn more. The biggest issue for me is the importance of the four tones. A change of tone in part of a word can completely change the word's meaning. Then there are all the different dialects and the fact that in Southern China many folks speak only Cantonese which seems to me to be a completely different language. Anyway, communication is an issue.
The picture here demonstrates how difficult translations can be between Mandarin and English.
Here are a few ideas for avoiding problems related to communication:
1 - Be as specific as possible. Never assume the words you used mean the same thing to the Chinese receiver of the message as they mean to you.
2 - Use simple language, and obviously, avoid slang and cliches.
3 - Put information in writing and use pictures, video and demonstrations as often as possible. However, keep e-mails and other written communications short. Long, wordy e-mails take a long time to translate. Use bullet points and number lists. Specifications and work instructions should have pictures.
4 - Be aware of the potential for communication problems. Review e-mails before sending for clarity.
5 - Make the effort to try and learn some of the Chinese language, especially when you travel to China. Learning just a few phrases goes a long way in building relationships and guanxi (relationship capital).
Ok, this one is pretty obvious. Mandarin is a complex language far different from English. I've learned to speak and understand a bit and want to learn more. The biggest issue for me is the importance of the four tones. A change of tone in part of a word can completely change the word's meaning. Then there are all the different dialects and the fact that in Southern China many folks speak only Cantonese which seems to me to be a completely different language. Anyway, communication is an issue.
The picture here demonstrates how difficult translations can be between Mandarin and English.
Here are a few ideas for avoiding problems related to communication:
1 - Be as specific as possible. Never assume the words you used mean the same thing to the Chinese receiver of the message as they mean to you.
2 - Use simple language, and obviously, avoid slang and cliches.
3 - Put information in writing and use pictures, video and demonstrations as often as possible. However, keep e-mails and other written communications short. Long, wordy e-mails take a long time to translate. Use bullet points and number lists. Specifications and work instructions should have pictures.
4 - Be aware of the potential for communication problems. Review e-mails before sending for clarity.
5 - Make the effort to try and learn some of the Chinese language, especially when you travel to China. Learning just a few phrases goes a long way in building relationships and guanxi (relationship capital).
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