Legal & Financial Translations - Alpha Translations Canada Inc.

Free Essential Business Culture Guides

India

Starting as one of the least-developed countries, India has emerged as a global player in many industries. Some examples:

It is the largest producer of tea in the world, accounting for more than 30% of global production; The Indian pharmaceutical industry ranks 4th in the world in terms of volume; Aside from the USA and Japan, India is the only country to develop its own supercomputer; With more than 800 movies a year, India produces the largest number of movies in the world...

South Africa

In the African culture meetings and greetings are very sociable and friendly. You will be expected to greet everyone at the meeting and respect those in authority. African men traditionally remain seated when being introduced. You can expect a traditional African person not to look you in the eye when having a conversation. This must be seen as sign of respect and not that of arrogance ....

Turkey

Always come to Turkey knowing two things. Your success is defined by your ability to build effective personal relationships combined with a clearly outlined and well presented proposal. Business is personal. Although this is changing with the influx of big multi-nationals and a more corporate culture in some of the larger companies, many businesses are still family owned and run...

The Netherlands

Honesty and straightforwardness are an essential part of doing business in the Netherlands. Consequently, when you really want to say 'no', tentative answers such as 'I'll consider it', 'We'll see', or 'perhaps' are not acceptable to the Dutch. Even if you find it difficult to say 'no', you'll find that your Dutch counterparts will prefer and appreciate a candid reply...

Germany

Never underestimate the importance of punctuality in German business culture. Arriving even five to ten minutes later than the appointed time is perceived as late, especially if you are a subordinate. Fifteen minutes would be considered a very serious faux pas and could mean a shaky start to any potential business relations....

France

You'll find that conversations often shift into spirited debates. Give opinions only on subjects that you are knowledgeable about. Studying French history, politics, and other aspects of the culture will be an advantage for you in conversation...

Great Britain

Humour is a vital feature of all aspects of British life. In a society that finds it difficult to express genuine personal feelings, humour often acts as a defence mechanism but it is almost never out of place in a culture that is averse to seriousness in all circumstances...

China

Lavish gift giving was an important part of Chinese culture in the past. Today, official policy in Chinese business culture forbids giving gifts; this gesture is considered bribery, an illegal act in this country. Consequently, your gift may be declined...

Japan

When exchanging business cards, generally the upper level members will exchange cards first followed by others in order of seniority. The business card is to be presented with two hands, then let one hand go to receive your counterpart's card, and then put two hands on the counterpart's card taking a good look at it...

Spain

Women's liberation has advanced apace since the death of Franco. Whereas in the past a woman could do little without her husband's permission, there are now many more working and independent women, but sexual stereotyping is still strong [especially in the south and amongst older men throughout Spain].

Did you know...?

• Alpha Translations Canada Inc. works for 30 of the world's top 50 law firms!

• Michèle Hecken, President and CEO of Alpha Translations Canada Inc. started as a translator 15 years ago!

• the first client Michèle Hecken won 15 years ago is still a client of Alpha Translations Canada Inc. today!

• Alpha Translations Canada Inc. has framework agreements with many fortune 500 companies!

• Many legal translators at Alpha Translations Canada Inc. are in fact lawyers themselves!

• Alpha Translations Canada Inc. still works with many of the same translators that started with us 15 years ago!

• Alpha Translations Canada Inc. recently finished a project where we translated 100,000 words within 4 days!

• Alpha Translations Canada Inc. is also available during European business hours!