Business Interpreting
is Advocacy and Coaching, Too
Our interpreting team does not take a neutral position
in the matters that concern you. They don’t
sit disinterested at your side while your Korean counterparts
and audience ramble among themselves in Korean or get lost
in the cloud of cultural differences. Our position is that
if you’re paying for an interpreter, your interpreter
should work for you and your interests. To the extent that
you want more than language assistance, our team member can
also function as your partner and you can rely on them to “have
your back”.
Your Korean interpreter from Korean Consulting & Translation
Service, Inc. will help you to communicate and understand the
subtleties and nuances – and the various power dynamics
and the interaction of hierarchical levels – which drive
business. For instance, your interpreter might provide tips
for recommended actions within certain situations, as well
as cultural cues for meal times and gift-giving etiquette. |
The Business Interpretation
Process
-
Consultation Before the Meeting
We can meet with you in advance to prepare negotiating and/or
presentation plans, answer questions you have about business
etiquette and clarify titles and roles in your group in
order to present a proper introduction of everyone and
discuss any other matters of concern to you. This prep-session
normally takes place on the day of the meeting in Korea.
-
Interpretation During the Meeting
and Beyond
While we interpret for you and make sure that communications
between you and your Korean counterparts flow smoothly, we
will also listen for valuable (and often unintended) non-spoken
messages from the Korean side that you should know about.
We will let you know the precise relationships of the people
within the Korean group and make sure that you are aware
of important matters going on in the meeting. We will also
give you tips to avoid causing offense and suggest ways to
create goodwill.
If the meeting stretches on to a social event at a restaurant
or other public location, we will let you know what is in
the food, make sure you are not put in uncomfortable positions,
and help you participate in the conversation and make a great
impression with your hosts.
-
Report and Advice After the Meeting
We can sit down with you to review the content of the meeting,
share our impressions and insights regarding the results
and suggest follow-up measures that will be most effective
for you. This review session normally takes place immediately
after the event when the content of discussions and situations
is still fresh in everyone’s mind.
|
