ProblemsinTranslationofPublicSignsandSolutions

【Abstract】As the rapid development of Chinas economy and intensification of the reform and opening-up policy，many cities in China speed up the pace to cope with the worlds development in many different ways，one of which is to set up bilingual public signs.Translation of public signs，with great significance，is a cross-cultural activity.The translation quality of Chinese public signs has been attracted considerable public attention.

【Key words】public signs； translation

I.Introduction

More and more bilingual public signs are set up in many cities in China aiming to facilitate international guests.The translation of public signs is a vivid indicator not only of the style and features of a city but also of its cultural and educational level.However errors in public signs can be found everywhere.Unqualified translations make target readers confused or even offended.It is possible that the international image of the city could be spoiled by these mistakes.

II.Existing problems in English translation of Chinese public signs

English translation contributes a great deal to foreigners staying in China.However，there exist various problems in translation.

A.Carelessness and low proficiency in English.Due to translators carelessness or low proficiency，problems will occur.There are usually problems such as spelling and grammatical mistakes，inappropriate selection of words and word for word translation.For example：濒危的珍禽Dangerous Birds.Foreigners may be frightened to see such a sign with a question “Are the birds very fierce？” Actually，it intends to remind the visitors that these birds are in the brink of extinction.The appropriate translation is “Dying out Birds”.

B.Poor readability

1.Harsh mood.Some harsh manner of expressions will arouse unpleasant feeling.The mood should be friendly and polite.Westerners emphasize on equality and respect among people.In translating，we are supposed to avoid harsh mood as much as possible.For example：禁止摘花Don't pick the flowers.“Don't” is seldom used in English public signs.Instead，some sentences in mild manner should be used，which will be easier for viewers to accept.The mild translation is “Keep away from the flowers，please”.

2.Chinglish.Some translators often translate in accordance with the Chinese word order and structure，and completely neglect the differences between Chinese and English language.For example：小心掉到水里Carefully Fall Down to the River.“Carefully” is an adverb modifier of “fall down”.Foreigners may read it as “小心地掉到水里”，which is completely opposite to the original intention.The translation is “Dangerous！ Keep off the water！”.

3.Redundancies.English on public signs should be simple and clear.For example： 保护历史文物，不要在墙上乱写乱画Cherish the cultural relic，dont scribble on the wall.The core message is “please dont scribble”.The concise translation is “No Graffiti”.

4.Neglect of cultural differences.Translating a language is a kind of translating the culture.Only when the cultural connotation and flavor has been interpreted clearly for the target readers，can the goal of cultural exchange be achieved.For example：警告：此地有恶犬！Warning：bad dogs！In western countries，where keeping pets is popular，a dog is taken as a family member.So the adjective modifier “bad” will offend foreigners.The connotation translation is “dogs will bite you！”.

Ⅲ.Solutions to English translation of Chinese public signs

First，translation is an activity needs honest attitude.Translators should have a keen sense of responsibility and treat everything seriously and carefully.Second，since public signs are written for general readers，translators should not use rarely used words in order to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.Third，translating public signs involves techniques both in language and communication.Translators can borrow the English counterpart directly into use.

Ⅳ.Conclusion

Although public signs contain just a few words，translation of public signs is by no means easy.To keep a good image of China and better communication with the outside world，the quality of public sign translation must be given considerable attention.If we neglect the problems，these problems will affect our international communication.So we should make great effort to overcome all the potential problems in public sign translation.

References：

[1]黄友义.从翻译工作者的权利到外宣翻译[J].中国翻译，2005.

[2]吕和发，单面萍.汉英公示语词典[M].北京：商务印书馆，2004.

[3]王东风.论作用于翻译过程的跨文化因素[M].长沙：湖南人民出版社，1998.

[4]徐志恒.Error Analysis of the Translation of Chinese Public Signs and the Strategies of Their Ttranslation[M].吉林：吉林大学出版社，2006.

作者简介：

吴媛媛（1984年11月） 女，学士，汉族，现任职于浙江横店影视职业学院，讲师，研究方向：英语教学。