Research on Public Signs and theⅠmportance of this Research to C-E Translation

武汉东湖学院外语学院 唐燕

Research on Public Signs and theⅠmportance of this Research to C-E Translation

武汉东湖学院外语学院 唐燕

There is increasing recognition of the importance and usefulness of doing research in C-E translation of public signs.As bilingual signs are increasingly popular,considerable attention should be paid to the study of C-E translation of public signs.It is theoretically and practically urgent to make a further study and research on public signs systematically.

public signs C-E translation of public signs common errors

ntroduction

Many scholars have done some significant work in the research of the C-E translation of public signs.Although so many scholars have been making efforts in this research field,they do not give an all-round introduction to public signs in Chinese.It is not sufficient to simply focus on one aspect and analyze few examples.Furthermore,most scholars are mainly engaged in linguistic analysis or pragmatic translations.Cultural influences and characteristics of public signs,which are the important elements in this research field,have been neglected.

As bilingual signs are increasingly popular and practical,considerable attention should be paid to the study of the classification,social application and different functions of public signs.

1.Research on public signs

International Committee of the Graphical Symbols defines signs as anything from a simplest way finding or information “marker”to the technically sophisticated communication of a message.According to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (1993:991),it is defined as a short phrase expressing a usual political or advertising message.In academic world,many Chinese scholars have made great contribution to the definition of public signs although China has comparatively a short history in this research field.Many scholars are making further effort to standardize the C-E translation of public signs.

2.Classification of public signs

According to the social application of C-E translation of public signs,they can be divided into four types.

2.1 Traffic public signs

Traffic public signs are popularly used in cities,which play an important role in society.Traffic public signs are used to achieve the function of directing by providing foreigners traffic information.Traffic public signs offer instructive information,such as a speed limit,a bend in the road,etc,which presents the information of guiding service to indicate people to do or not to do something;many dynamic expressions are used in the type of public signs to give direction,instruction,restriction and prohibition.They are often composed of verbs and gerunds,such as BUSES ONLY.

2.2 Road public signs

Road signs are used to give directions by offering the information of road or street.Considering its distinctive function,it plays an important role.It could be difficult for foreigners to recognize roads in China if the C-E translations of public signs are not standard or too complicated.So road signs are important and should not be neglected.Especially at the crossing of each two roads,there should stand signs with names and directions,which undoubtedly bring lots of convenience,such as Tian Xia Road,Zhong Nan Avenue.

2.3 Signs in scenic places

Signs in scenic places provide information to help visitors understand the direction of place or remind visitors to abide by the rules.The descriptions on signboards are brief,informative,realistic and practical,and provide tourists with general information.For example:

FERRYBOAT AND BOAT TICKET OFFICE

Ferryboat ticket price:RMB10

Boat ticket price:RMB25/Hour

Another example:

ATTENTION

This is the west entrance of Beihai Park 300m ahead,if you want to visit the view of the other side,you should go back or take ferryboat.

2.4 Names and services of institutions

This kind of signs is usually used by governments,business institutions and supermarkets. Generally speaking,they are divided into two categories:one is the name of institutions and the other is service information of institutions.For instance,Bank of Communication,ChinaMerchantsBank,NAN HU CHUN RESTAURANT.

The second type often uses complete sentences to give detailed information or services,here are some examples:

Please don’t leave valuables in the car.

Beware of thief;we are not responsible for stealing and any damage.

In terms of the classification from the social application,different types are used to achieve different functions,and different types call for different translation solutions,the choice of words is subordinate to its specific function in the translation process.

3.Definiton of public signs

The author argues that public signs refer to the written materials,articles and documents which include slogans,brochures,road signs,place names,public notices,etc.They are shown publicly,offering warning,notification,direction and other related factual and graphical information,which are a very important component to the language environment of an international tourist city and a country.Additionally,public signs are frequently used in people’s social life,such as in the accommodation;traveling and recreation field and they almost cover every aspect of life.Different types of public signs have different language forms and also achieve different functions.

4.The importance of this research to C-E Translation

The four basic functional features given above are the most distinctive features of public signs.If the translator takes no notice of the distinctive functional features of public signs in C-E translation process,the translation produced may cause confusion to the receivers.So,it is necessary for us to be conscious of these features.The translator,as an expert in translational action,should adopt proper translation strategies according to the specific purpose and commission to realize the expected function of the public signs.Only if we pay specific attention to the functional features of public signs can we make a further analysis of the common errors of public signs and the causes of the errors.

Conclusion

On the basis of the qualitative data collected and evaluations of the common errors in C-E translation of public signs.It is important to foucus on the classification,characteristics and functional features of public signs to find out the common errors in C-E translation of public signs.

[1]NOTES

In the academic world,many Chinese scholars have different opinions on the definition of public signs.The author believes that the definition given by the International Committee of the Graphical Symbols is acceptable.