Abstract:Though having gained great popularity in almost every field of daily life, the translation of public signs especially those in transport stations still have various problems. This study based on previous studies is aimed at analyzing errors in the translation of public signs from linguistic and cultural perspectives. It severs to offer some strategies in the process of the C-E translation of public signs and concludes that the translation of public signs requires responsibility as well as linguistic and cultural competence. Additionally, more attention needs to be paid on the existent problems.

Key words: transport station; public signs; error analysis; translation strategies

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Functions of Public Signs.1

  2.1 Directing

  2.2 Promoting

  2.3 Restricting

  2.4 Compelling

3. Principles of Public Sign Translation.2

3.1 Conciseness

3.2 Consistency

  3.3 Comprehensibility

4. Analysis of Errors on Public Signs 3

  4.1 Linguistic Errors in the Translation of Public Signs

    4.1.1 Spelling Errors

  4.1.2 Lexical Errors

  4.1.3 Grammatical Errors 

  4.2 Cultural Errors in the Translation of Public Signs

4.2.1 Chinglish

  4.2.2 Harsh Tone

  4.2.3 Cultural Taboo

5. Strategies for the C-E Translation of Public Signs .7

5.1 Using Correct Expressions

  5.2 Being Consistent With International Practices 

  5.3 Taking the Target Readers into Consideration

  5.4 Setting up Unified Translation Standard

6. Conclusion8

Bibliography.10

Acknowledgements11