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Chinese/Gift for a baby

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Expert: - 3/17/2011


Question
Would it be appropriate for a stranger to give a Chinese woman a gift for her baby.  I was thinking of knitting baby shoes but was unsure of the best colours.  I do not want to offend.

Answer
I am sure that would be most appreciated.  Traditionally, red would be the best color. If the person is very traditional (fairly unlikely) it would be better to give the gift when the child is a month old. Just as in the West, I would avoid gifts before the birth, just in case something went awry.

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Volunteer

Terry Thatcher Waltz

Expertise

I specialize in Chinese technical translation and conference interpretation, and terminology. I can answer questions about these topics, Chinese language pedagogy and learning issues, Chinese grammar for learners, and general issue related to Taiwan.

Experience

Full-time translator and conference interpreter since 1987; long-time resident of Taiwan. Qualified State Dept. language contractor (interpreter and translator) with extensive government and private sector experience.

Organizations
American Translators Association; The Translators' and Interpreters' Guild; ATA Interpreters' Division; ATA Chinese Division.

Publications
AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters) website

Education/Credentials
Ph.D., Chinese; MA, Conference Interpreting

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