3 Ways To Overcome The Chinese Language Barrier

Learning to do business in your own country can be a challenge. Now, imagine expanding your operations to an entirely new country where you don’t even speak the language! Cultural, financial, and legal considerations aside, overcoming the language barrier is arguably the most difficult challenge every businessman coming into China faces. Not being able to communicate clearly with your suppliers abroad can be detrimental to your business. If this issue is not immediately addressed, it can ultimately harm the growth of your business and brand. It’s easy to understand why overcoming the Chinese language barrier will be crucial to your business’ success.

Before you rush out and sign up for a Chinese language crash-course, here are some techniques you can use on your next trip to China:

Understand which language is being spoken

Many countries around the world have more than one national language. South Africa, for example, has a staggering 11 official languages! Popular business and tourist destinations like Singapore and Switzerland have four official languages. China is another great example, with Mandarin being the country’s “common language”.

Cantonese remains widely spoken in Hong Kong and parts of Guangdong; however, Mandarin has become increasingly dominant in business settings across Shenzhen and Guangzhou due to the nationwide language policy. You will still hear Cantonese socially, but business meetings often default to Mandarin.

Knowing which languages are spoken in the particular region of China you’re visiting is a great first step. This allows you to begin learning a few key phrases and even target marketing campaigns in your customers’ local language.

This also shows great respect and admiration, since you’ve taken the time to learn and understand the local language and, hopefully, some local customs.

Use an interpreter

Both Mandarin and Cantonese are difficult languages to learn in a short time. Especially because they differ vastly from English, or practically any of the Western languages. A popular method for overcoming the Chinese language barrier is making use of an interpreter to convey your message accurately.

Most businesses today find interpreters through WeChat, trusted interpreter agencies, or established service providers, rather than classifieds. This helps ensure reliability and professionalism.

One popular way of finding a trusted interpreter is by hiring a professional and reliable transport company that already employs English-speaking drivers. You can “kill two birds with one stone” by hiring both a capable and understanding interpreter and driver. Convey any message you wish to portray while also having your transportation figured out.

Use technology to help you

Google Translate is definitely one of the best online resources to help break the language barrier; it’s simple and basic. It also has some other powerful features, like offering a native speaker’s pronunciation of a word or phrase.

Nevertheless, it’s worth remembering that China’s ‘great firewall’ is still very much in effect throughout the entire country. If you wish to maintain access to your Facebook, Instagram, Gmail, and, of course, Google Maps, you must install a VPN on your phone or other devices. However, connections can be unstable, and many VPN apps are blocked unless installed before arriving in China. Some users rely on offline Google Translate packs or Chinese apps such as Pleco or Baidu Translate, which work without a VPN.

Otherwise, you’ll be unable to bypass China’s internet restrictions. However, even with a VPN, the Internet speed in China can be significantly worse than what you’re used to.

Android and iPhone both work in mainland China, but many Google services are blocked on all phones, not just Android. iPhones tend to perform more smoothly because Apple services are not affected by the Great Firewall.

We hope these three tips will help you in breaking that language barrier on your next visit to China! 中国欢迎你 (China welcomes you!)