The Problems of C—E Public Signs’ Translating

【Abstract】With the development of our country， we build up a good relationship with western countries. Public signs are regarded as a symbol of our country.Thus， appropriate translations of the public signs can guarantee a good communication between the Chinese and the international people. However， there are many problems on C-E public signs translation. This paper gives some advice for C-E public signs translating under the guidance of Skopostheorie.

【Key words】C-E public signs translation； existing problems； Skopostheorie

1. The definition of public signs

Public signs are a special type of writing for the communicative purpose. It always uses simple and direct words or some clear pictures to draw peoples attention. They are widely used in every aspect in our life， such as scenic spots， hotels， stations，markets， hospitals and so on.

2. The problems of public signs' translating

（1）Semantic deviation

It is one of the most common errors that appear in public signs translating. After translation， the original information cannot be accurately conveyed， which leads to the missing or manipulation of the information. The deviation of comprehension and translation can result in mistranslation.The collocation of words， mechanical translation， grammar， singular and plural error， tense errors are the main problems. To a large extent， mistranslation of semantic deviation is related to translators master of different languages and his understand of cultures.

（2）Lacking of humanistic care and affective factors

Not only in foreign publicity， but also in cultural and emotional communication， public signs are important. Thus， we need follow the politeness principles to create a harmonious atmosphere and show the humanistic care to foreign visitors. Whereas， in view of the historical reasons and national conditions， there are many colloquial and vulgar expressions often can be seen in the street.

（3）Doesnt in accordance with English idiomatic expressions

In process of translation， translators are easily affected by their mother language. They may translate the text according to its original content， sentences， structure， and sequence without taking the characteristics of the target language into consideration. It is hard to understand their translations if they arent in accordance with English idiomatic expressions.

3.Solutions to the problems

In truth， C-E public signs translating is aimed at cross-cultural communication. Under the guidance of Skopostheorie， this purpose of C -E translation leads the translator to follow principles like：

（1）Concise

The feature of public signs is conciseness. They try to use the simplest words to get the greatest social effect. The language of public signs should be concise， and not be so long and complex.

People should get the most accurate information in the shortest time. For example， “老年人优先”， “Old people waiting and getting on first” can be replace by “Senior citizens first”. There will be lots of expressions， and we only use three words to convey its English meaning.

（2）Conventional

There are different language conventions due to different history and culture. Some public signs are universally accepted and can not be changed. For example， “顾客止步”may be translated into many versions， in which “Stuff Only” is the most acceptable one. It conforms to the convention of western people.

（3）Functional Adequate

Owing to different ways of thinking and cultural backgrounds， there is a gap between the intention of public signs and the receivers cognitive competence. The translator should take some strategies to meet the need of the receiver. For example， if “司机一滴酒，亲人两行泪” is translated into “One drink of alcohol on the part of the driver can reset in two lines of tears for his family”， the English native speaker will feel confused. In fact， “Drink and Drive costs your life” is functionally adequate.

4. Conclusion

Public signs are pervasive in our daily life， as well as the English versions of them. It has a close relationship with our daily life. Therefore， translators should be equipped with both profound linguistic knowledge and cultural awareness when dealing with translation of public signs. Of course， we need a professional organization to set an unified norms. In addition to Skopostheorie， we still need more ways to improve the public signs translating.

References：

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作者简介：冯煊（1992.9.7-），女，汉族，甘肃兰州人，研究生，研究方向：翻译。