​Andrew A. Golub

 

 

 

 

Below you will find a pdf containing four articles detailing the many types, categories, dialects, and different regions that explain some of the major details and differences of the Chinese Language (Mandarin and Dialects).  The Chinese people themselves struggle with communication across dialects because of the many cultural and geographical differences spanning thousands of miles across the Asian continent and world.  It is no simple task to find any one person, Chinese or otherwise, that can speak and communicate effectively in all the dialects of Chinese, and there are at least several hundred different dialects. 

 

Many linguists that have conducted studies of the Chinese languages would go as far as to categorize the major dialects as completely separate languages in their own right, for example, Standard Mandarin to Cantonese.  For this reason, it is essential when dealing with Chinese signers, that they are given the instruction to utilize the 3 day time period that is mandated under the TRID Rule, to seek translation and/or counsel, from persons in their own dialect, which they usually seek to do. 

 

For the closing agent, it is essential that the signer who does not speak English, be completely prepared,  confident,  and comfortable with the transaction.  This will place both parties at ease.   Even a Chinese notary can also be confronted with the dialect dilemma of the Chinese language, and not have a successful closing. The complexities and linguistic differences of so many different forms of Chinese make it impractical to rely on a closing agent to explain closing documents to a signer in a language that has an enormous amount of dissimilarities.  For this reason, for Chinese and Asian Based languages, it is much more significant to have the signer utilize his mandated 3 day period under the TRID Rule,  to gain an understanding of his documents, prior to sitting at the closing table.  This will ensure that the Notary does not cross the threshold and engage in the unauthorized practice of law, and will also ensure the signer's preparation and lead to a successful closing.  I have closed many transactions in Mandarin, and know that certain things are extremely important to a Chinese person during a transaction.   Being completely prepared by someone they know and trust is one of them.  Handing a person who does not speak or read a word of English an English written document is like blindfolding a person and sending them to walk in traffic.   Comfort and confidence is essential.  Preparation is necessary.  Please ensure that your client is completely prepared when he sits at the closing table. If he is not, there is always the possibility that he will refuse to close. This can be avoided by PROPER PREPARATION.   

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Please examine the PDF file below,  with respect to the complexity of the Mandarin Language.  This should shed new light on how non-English speaking people should be prepared before closing, most especially Mandarin speakers.    Please thoroughly prepare your client.  Thank you for your consideration. 

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