Mandarin language tips

Q:  Can you clarify a bit more about Chinese, their dialects and changes?

The most popular variations of Mandarin Chinese are Beijing, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The Mandarin Chinese language is evolving more rapidly than any other language on earth. Hong Kong, for example, is currently making a fusion between Cantonese and Mandarin, with a different accent and dialect of Mandarin, a Mandarin that is in dramatic flux. Taiwanese Mandarin has a strong variation in both accent and word usage. And Chinese spoken inside the United States has also become a dialect.

From the heaviest of technical content to the warmest of multimedia, Mandarin subtitling or web site translation, there are  cultural differences and nuances, requiring adaptation in your Mandarin Chinese translation with a subtle touch to enhance your image in the eyes of your Chinese prospects and employees.

English to Mandarin Chinese translations destined for China should be translated by true professionals located inside China itself, with impeccable English and 20 years experience. Translations need to have a look and feel of naturalness, as though originally created in China, without the heaviness, errors or stilted feel often associated with a translation. Multimedia script translations should be properly adapted to the “spoken Chinese word” (as opposed to the “written word”), and adapted to the proper length to be spoken within the allowed timing. Mandarin Chinese voice recordings should sound smooth, have credibility, and flow perfectly to the timing of the original English, and the most popular voice talents ae not “professional voice talents” but rather television news anchors.

In China, the appropriate Mandarin Chinese translated words to be used in screen prompts and voice prompts for software and IVR are not a mirror reflection of their counterparts in American English. Your tranlsation team needs to know exactly when to vary your words just slightly to meet the modern standards for this new audience. Mandarin Chinese translators inside China understand software, have first-hand experience in development, and offer Mandarin Chinese translation services for the text elements within code as XML, C++, .NET, Java and similar.

Stages of a video translation

Q:  What are the basic components to the translation side of a video translation?

There are 7 basic steps on the translation side of video translation:

I. TRANSLATION:
Translation estimates are formulated according to a combination of the number of foreign words expected in the translation, plus the number of hours expected to manipulate the translation for the purpose.  The number of translated words is usually 15% greater than the original language.  If the script is highly technical or medical, such as a video selling chemicals, or medicine to doctors, or sales of complex engineering materials, there may be an additional increase in cost of translation, varying with the need – or lack of need – to include doctors, engineers, chemists, and other specialists to review the script.

II. ADAPTATION TO TIMING:
Translated script will be adapted/synced to original timing, and to the “spoken word” (versus “written word”) if needed.  Additionally, the script will be adapted to assure that the talent speaks all “point words” (action words) to coincide with actions on-screen in the original.  Adaptation types include “narration” and “lip sync”. “Narration” is words spoken in narrative style, and “lip sync” adapts the script to mouth movements of the on-screen speakers.

III. VOICE TALENT CASTING:
All voice talents are full time professionals, most inside their native country. All have significant experience in corporate recording, advertising, and generally also in “lip sync” voice dialog replacement.  All talents are good. Some are great.  Some have recognizable voices that increase the impact of your production, although the listener does not know the name. Celebrity talents are available. The cost for voice talent may vary if client requests a specific talent.

IV.  AUDIO STUDIO:
All audio studios are fully digital, using some of the best equipment and microphones in their region.   Each recording that is made in an audio studio includes an experienced audio engineer, and generally also includes a professional Vocal Director (not a “script checker”).  Some studios have ISDN, a few have phone patch hybrid.  However, all clients can participate in their own sessions anywhere in the world via the web, using the Global Director Center.

V.  VOCAL DIRECTION  AND QUALITY ASSURANCE:
The Vocal Director directs the talent in studio, and accepts full responsibility for assuring top talent performance, plus guarantees flawless final product.

VI. DELIVERY:
Perfectly-timed .mp3 or .wav files synced to original timing.  Audio files are delivered via FTP for download.

VII.  PRODUCT CHECK:
Once client has integrated the recordings, it is usual to produce digital movies either for the web or for download from FTP.  Translators will review these results and give approval for release.

Providers

There is a wide variety of providers of voiceovers in foreign languages on the web. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Some providers of voiceovers offer talent, but that provider cannot help you with translation or script adaptation. Others provide voiceovers but no directors. Still others provide poor, unprofessional voiceovers and even poorer translations. So, how can you tell the difference before you get burned? How can you differentiate?

There are a few questions that you can ask to help you determine the level of quality and service provided by the potential voiceovers vendor. Questions such as:

1. How many years have they been recording international voiceovers?
2. Where are the talent located?
3. What is their experience in advertising, sales video and Flash recording?
4. When they translate a script, what is special about the way in which they translate?

If you listen closely to the answers, and analyze the answers following certain guidelines, you will learn almost all that you need to know during the conversation.