 | |
 |
Volume 62, December 2007 |
|
Featured Language: Mandarin Chinese Mandarin At-a-Glance Mandarin is the most widely spoken of all Chinese languages. It is used by 867 million people as a first language in a vast area of northern and southwestern mainland China and is also spoken in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, U.S., and Vietnam. Standard Mandarin is the official language of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and one of the official languages of Singapore. In addition, it is used as a second language by another 178 million people (source: Ethnologue). Since some of the other Chinese languages/dialects are not mutually intelligible with Mandarin, many Chinese have to learn it as a second language. SPEAK THE LANGUAGE: Despite China's commitment to, and success in, developing human resources with good English-language skills, companies that are serious about doing business in China should supply company information in Chinese and be prepared to initiate contact in Chinese. Having Chinese-language material prepared and a Chinese speaker or interpreter available makes a great first impression and demonstrates that a company is serious about doing business in China. SOURCES: Languages of World Encyclopedia Britannica Ethnologue |
|||
| < Back to Volume 62, December 2007 |
About Us | Contact Us | Privacy | Legal
Medical Translations | Legal Translations | Financial Translations
