As Christmas and the Chinese Spring Festival have already come and gone, I thought it might be a good time to address a topic that can easily frustrate foreigners living and working in China. Basically, what the heck are you… Read More ›
Working in China
5 Reasons a Translation Career May Not Be For You
Do you enjoy studying the Chinese language? Are you thinking about becoming a translator? In fact, translation can be frustrating for the unprepared. Therefore, take a look at this list to learn about some of the key challenges you will face while working as a translator in China.
Don’t Let Assumptions Define Your China Experience!
In this short article, I share a common experience of foreigners learning the Chinese language: sometimes no one can understand our Chinese. It is in interesting phenomenon that speaks to the assumptions we all make in our daily lives. Basically, our assumptions may blind us to the world, and make us deaf to the words others are speaking.
5 Tips for Fun and Flexibility in China
Adapting to life in China can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With an open mind and a basic understanding and acceptance of Chinese culture, many problems can become much less difficult. In this article, I share five useful tips for enjoying life more in China, based on my own experiences.
Book Review: Notes from a Beijing Coffeeshop
Do you want to learn about the Chinese people? Well, then pick up Notes from A Beijing Coffeeshop by Jonathan Geldart. The book offers up 23 unique Chinese stories in bite-sized pieces, that help the non-Chinese reader to quickly and easily start learning about who the Chinese people truly are. A must read for those planning on moving to or traveling in China!
Finding Work in China as a Western Graduate
In China, young non-Chinese talent can have a harder time finding good jobs, especially as China’s talent market evolves and local professionals gain more experience. In this interview, I talked with Adam Horton, a recent graduate from the U.K., about his experiences looking for and finding a job in Shenzhen, China.
How “Chinese” Should You Act in China?
When living or working in China, adapting to the local culture and language is a must. But how much is enough? In this article I talk about the pros and cons of two separate groups: the international expats that live apart from Chinese society, and those non-Chinese that make the effort to adapt.
SeekPanda: Revolutionizing the Chinese Interpretation Market
Need a Chinese interpreter? SeekPanda, based in Beijing China, is looking to change the face of China’s interpretation market and help Western companies bridge the language and cultural divide. Take a look at this interview to find out why a skill interpreter is so important!
Share Your China Story with the World!
Have you lived or worked in China for a length of time? Do you want to help other Westerners learn about China, its culture, and its people? Contact the China Culture Corner today to share you story with the world, and remove the veil of mystery from China!
27 Idioms For More Effective Communication with the Chinese
Effective communication is essential when working with the Chinese, but a lack of foreign language skills on both sides can impair progress. Enter Chinese idioms, steeped in Chinese culture, they can easily communicate complex ideas quickly and succinctly. Learning a few key idioms can do wonders for your ability to communicate in China, and increase your respect (face) among the Chinese as well.
Why Overseas Chinese Talent Has Trouble Adjusting in Mainland China
Hiring Overseas Chinese talent to send to Mainland China can seem like a really smart move. After all, they can speak the language and understand the culture, right? Actually, things are rarely so simple. Read this article to learn more about some of the potential drawbacks of Overseas Chinese talent in Mainland China.
China Expat Survival Tips: 15 Ways to Apply “Face” in China
Understanding the basic elements of the Chinese concept of Face and knowing how to apply it within an office environment are very different. And applying Face correctly can have a big influence on your career in China. In the following article a number of important methods to apply Face, as used by the Chinese, are presented for use by the Western business person.
