China outbound tourism education series part 18: Language

26 October 2009 // Filed under ChinaContact press release

Knowledge of foreign languages is very limited despite compulsory English studies at school. There are no opportunities to practice and Chinese are inherently shy about what they do not master. Information in Chinese is a necessity on board airlines, in restaurants, tour attractions, hotels and so on. This can begin with marketing collateral and extend to websites, information at consulates, tourist information desks at airports and in city centres. Chinese who travel abroad read up on Chinese language guide books written by Chinese. The information that you provide to the guests should consider what they are interested in, instead of direct translation of the same collateral that is used for a western audience.

The mainland uses a simplified form of Chinese written language, while Hong Kong and Taiwan use the traditional form. These must not be confused. Spoken Mandarin Chinese is the official dialect of China and Taiwan and ostensibly Hong Kong although Cantonese is the preferred lingua-franca in South China and Hong Kong. In Shanghai, though Mandarin is understood, Shanghainese dialect is the preferred business language.

The satisfaction of a tour group often depends on the skills of the Chinese speaking tour leader. Where possible, matching the dialect or background of the guide with the group will automatically put the tourists at ease.

2009-10-26  ::  Roy Graff