Diplomatic visits in China and Hungary

“Similarly to earlier Chinese trips made by professional delegations, Viktor Orbán’s visit to China was also decidedly inspiring: even though there was constant work to be done and once again I had to become familiar with terminologies of various fields of expertise, the strict rules of Chinese protocol was nothing short of an unforgettable experience” – recalled Adrienn Simon of the Hungarian Prime Minister’s 2010 Asian trip.

For TransJet’s certified interpreter and protocol expert, this system of rules – in spite of its austerity – provided a significant handhold and support during the diplomatic and interpreter work that was fast-paced and without rest.

Diplomats travelling to and from China as well as heads of state administration regularly commission TransJet associates for escort interpretation work lasting several days.

During such assignments, our associates must serve as interpreters, tour guides and ‘walking encyclopaedias’ all at the same time, but of course only to the extent permitted by the schedule and programme of the given delegation.

Visitors arriving from China often inquire about current exchange rates, real estate prices and average salaries.

TransJet associates prepare for such questions in advance, however, there is no shortage of unexpected situations:

“Over the course of our work, we often visit places the average person will never get to see, and learn things which we wouldn’t have the chance to otherwise.

When I first heard the expression “water-mine”, I did not understand what it referred to.

Now I know that we Hungarians have such a treasure and I am proud to say that I have accompanied an ambassador there!

In one instance, our Chinese guest took a seat in such a way that the Prime Minister at the time—forced to sit opposite the guest—gave up his own seat for me.

I am happy to have also visited the Sándor Palace when Ambassador Gao Jian presented her Letter of Commission…” – said Adrienn Simon, founding interpreter of the TransJet Translation Agency.

Lecture on Protocol and Business Etiquette Course

Adrienn Simon’s lectures on Chinese protocol are increasingly well-known.

In November 2010, the founding interpreter of TransJet gave a highly successful lecture at the 11th International Congress of Protocol held at the Budapest Hilton.

Chinese protocol is gaining increasing significance and TransJet’s co-founder recalls the memorable fact that she was able to serve with a few significant details that were unknown to even the experienced experts at the Congress.

Adrienn Simon also gave a series of lectures on Chinese protocol as a guest lecturer at Corvinus University.

“The invitation of the Corvinus University of Budapest made me especially proud, as I had the opportunity to teach etiquette and negotiation techniques at the university’s Chinese Public Administration, Economy And Society Research Center for a whole semester to experts of the new generation who will be dealing with China in the future” – said the protocol expert.

In recent years, more and more people and companies in the Hungarian corporate sector have realised the advantages and benefits of prior training and preparedness, and as a result Adrienn Simon has been getting an increasing number of invitations to hold corporate trainings and classes.

From Chinese PM to Production Line

When Jiang Zemin, former President of the People’s Republic of China, visited Hungary in 1995, it was Éva Ipolyi’s interpretation that helped the successful conclusion of talks and the fostering of interstate relations.

“Professional visits always pose a challenge, as we are graduates in liberal arts and cannot be expected to know everything.

Nevertheless, we prepare as thoroughly as possible and strive to give our best” – said TransJet’s certified interpreter recalling the assignment from more than ten years ago.

During assignments, TransJet associates naturally also learn a lot.

The Chinese are highly tolerant and really make an effort to understand what we are saying. If, therefore, we come across a rare term or phrase that might be new even for seasoned experts, they confirm it for us and the next time the interpreters encounter it, they have no trouble using it.

Éva Ipolyi and Adrienn Simon form a well-oiled machine of simultaneous interpreters, who have frequently worked together side by side at business forums and conferences.

In this respect, they are unique on the Hungarian market.

“We enjoy this joint and unselfish work.

We have had the opportunity to work alongside each other on several occasions at the Asia Center.

We also “spoke together” at the “Chopsticks or Forks” conference organised by Demos Hungary.

Interpretations at factories and manufacturing plants, as well as assignments related to factory shift scheduling make up a significant part of the professional profile of Zsolt Bartha, another founder of the TransJet Translation Agency.

It often happens that whole plants are disassembled and Chinese technicians learn to operate and maintain the machinery here in Hungary and request our Agency’s assistance in this matter.

Thanks to his professional experience, Zsolt Bartha has the sensitivity needed to handle any situations that might arise and is able to provide professional interpreting to facilitate the communication of workers and shift scheduling.

Of course machinery is not just being taken from Hungary to China, it is also brought into the country: machinery and equipment arrive to Hungary on a regular basis and putting these into operation and the handover protocol must be conducted and overseen from beginning to end.

TransJet’s assistance is also often required in cases where a Chinese company sets up a base in Hungary in order to serve the European Union market from here.

Apart from such cases, there are continuous negotiations in progress regarding future industrial-type investments, during which the expertise, experience and organisation skills of our associates provide invaluable assistance to investors.