Ken VaughnPartner| Industrial Fabrication Consultants LLPCharleston, Sc, United States
Hi all,
We are in the process of responding to an RFQ from an Arabic speaking prospect and it appears their command of the English language is not that good and our command of Arabic is zero. We have gone back and forth to iron out details and to clarify issues we are unsure of but I still feel uneasy about this process going forward.
I understand that at best the communication process is complex even when you speak the same language much less when the languages spoken are as different as English and Arabic are. Of course language alone is not the only consideration. There are differences (often vast) in cultures to be considered. I have asked the prospect if he thinks translation services would be helpful and in his last response the question was not addressed at all. We could opt to have all of our outgoing communications translated but there is a significant cost to this and it's not that we don't think it would be worth it, it's just that I would not be certain of how it would be received and if it really is warranted.
This project could be big for us and I'd like to iron out as best I can the communications issues before entering a phase where project reporting etc. comes into play but I'm at a loss as to how to begin addressing this.
Mark Price PerryBusiness Driven PMO Evangelist| BOT InternationalOrlando, Fl, United States
Ken, I work quite a bit in the Middle East. It is a wonderful region and I have had nothing but good experiences. I have found cultural differences to be minimal and far more interesting than a problem. The language of business and honesty is universal. Having said that, you asked a valid and sincere question regarding translation services. The lack of a response would lead me to take a pass on the RFQ altogether. If they are not able to respond to or are evasive on such a simple matter, you can just imagine how they will respond on more difficult matters. You might give them a second chance and let them know that you expect acknowledgement and answers to your questions, otherwise you are not interested in further discussions. As always, if there is a potential for a waste of time and money, let it be their wasted time and money - not yours. Good luck..! Saving Changes...
Ken VaughnPartner| Industrial Fabrication Consultants LLPCharleston, Sc, United States
Mark, thanks for the response. I'm late in answering but as they say....
Anyway, I've had some contact with a company who not only does translation but is versed in the culture and industry so we're going to let our prospect know that they can communicate as they wish and we'll have it translated and reply in Arabic. This job is worth the effort in my opinion and, getting a foot in "the door" with regard to the Middle East would be an added benefit. And to clear up a misconception, I understand my original post might have given the impression I'm talking about needing to translate a lot of documents and that is not the case. There would be some technically oriented communications but nothing on a large scale.
Thanks again Mark, I'll report when the PO is in hand. ;o)
Ken Saving Changes...
Mark Price PerryBusiness Driven PMO Evangelist| BOT InternationalOrlando, Fl, United States
That's great. Good luck..! Saving Changes...
Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
Ken, could some of your staff attend a cultural awareness seminar as well? This could help the team be more aware of any perceived differences. Saving Changes...
Ken VaughnPartner| Industrial Fabrication Consultants LLPCharleston, Sc, United States
Elizabeth,
Thanks for the suggestion. That is certainly a good idea depending on availability and proximity. If we realistically anticipated actually going to the country this would be essential. And if the relationship moves forward we eventually would do such a thing. But at this point we're just trying to establish a basic communications channel as we received new requirements and specifications today we must sort out. We're looking at the possibility of a conference call with an interpreter taking part. It's a complex situation but we are convinced that in the end it will be worth the added steps needed.
Thanks again,
Ken Saving Changes...
Wai Mun KooPMO Director| Intergraph PP&MSingapore, Singapore
In my experience, having a translator will help on the basic stuffs in normal communication. My advice is when you choose the translator, ensure to pick one with the domain knowledge as that will really help a lot especially when the conversation involves technical jargons.
Another thing to consider is, using some conference tool where you can share document, screen, place for drawing and doodling, and even video conferencing. In one of my projects that I have interacted with Japanese who can't speak English, I often find that we need to go to the whiteboard to draw out our concepts in mind, and instantly everyone will be able to see the 'picture' clearly and understand what the person was trying to convey in his message.
You mat try this free web conference tool - LiveMinutes. Saving Changes...
Wai Mun KooPMO Director| Intergraph PP&MSingapore, Singapore
Just to add on to emphasize the reason to pick a translator with domain knowledge is that you definitely do not want your customer to think that you are inviting them to a rugby match when you talked on something about Scrum. :-) Saving Changes...
Ken VaughnPartner| Industrial Fabrication Consultants LLPCharleston, Sc, United States
Mr. Koo,
Thanks for your response. I am not clear as to specifically what you mean by "domain knowledge". I'm guessing this means specific industry knowledge but I am not sure, can you clarify?
Ken Saving Changes...
Wai Mun KooPMO Director| Intergraph PP&MSingapore, Singapore
Ken,
By domain knowledge, I am referring to knowledge within a specific area that is related to the project you are working on. For example, if you are working on an ERP project, then the translator you are hiring should know something about ERP (no need to be an expert, but at least know the fundamentals). Similarly, if you are working on a business process reengineering project, say in CRM, then it is preferrable for the translator to have knowledge in this area (e.g. at least he/she should know a bit on what leads, inquiries, opportunities, RFQ/RFP, sales funnel etc.) to ensure that the translation is contextually correct. Saving Changes...
Wai Mun KooPMO Director| Intergraph PP&MSingapore, Singapore
And yes, if the person has specific industry knowledge related to the project you are working on will be added bonus. This is especially important in projects that are in special areas e.g. information security project or engineering project, where there are lots of of technical jargons to be translated. If not, you will find yourself spending a lot of time trying to explain to your translator rather than your customer. Saving Changes...
