ABC Translations offer a complete Chinese language translation and interpreting service
The vast majority of the Chinese-speaking population is in China (more than 980 million), Hong Kong, and Taiwan (19 million). Substantial numbers of Chinese speakers now also live in the UK.
There are two written forms – Traditional and Simplified Chinese
Simplified characters are used in the Peoples’ Republic of China and Singapore. Traditional Chinese characters are used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Although simplified and traditional Chinese are only variations of written Chinese, it is not unusual to find that those who read only traditional Chinese cannot understand simplified Chinese, and vice versa. Therefore, it is important in Chinese translation to determine whether simplified or traditional Chinese should be used for a particular target market.
What is the difference between Cantonese and Mandarin?
How are they related to traditional Chinese and simplified Chinese?
Mandarin is the main Chinese language. Cantonese is one of the Chinese dialects. In mainland China and Taiwan, most people can speak Mandarin, while Cantonese is only spoken in China’s Guangdong Province and Hong Kong. Cantonese is more popular among overseas Chinese because most Chinese immigrants in the UK and Europe come from Guangdong and Hong Kong.
It should be noted that traditional and simplified Chinese are only variations of the written forms, whereas Mandarin and Cantonese are related to its spoken form. They should not be confused; that is, Mandarin is not the same thing as simplified Chinese.
Our Chinese language translation and Cantonese / Mandarin interpreting services include:
- Document translation
- Client interviews
- Court appearances
- Depositions
- Immigration interviews
- Prison visits
- Business meetings
- Client presentations
- Factory/site visits
- Hospital visits
- International trade fairs
