本言工社翻译博客-Keeping the language simple makes the signs much more effective

Keeping the language simple makes the signs much more effective

Author: Ted Utoft (a copy-editor at China Daily)

Good afternoon. I'm Ted Utoft, a copy-editor at China Daily's weekend publication Beijing Weekend. I am in no way an expert like other members of the panel, but was asked instead to be a part of this presentation as a layman or common person viewing and interpreting signs in China. So, along with China Daily's website I have gathered a few images of signs around the area to point out a few of the common mistakes in translated signage.

Spelling mistakes
The simplest way to improve signage is to make sure words are spelled correctly. Much of the time and effort in creating bilingual signs is in finding a qualified translator and then translating the message, simply checking the spelling should be an easy addition to the process.

Commands Rather than Requests
Many of the signs you see in China make a demand upon the guest or person, rather than requesting certain behaviour.

For example a sign at the Forbidden City near a staircase reads:"Don't Fall!" Well, no one wants to fall, and certainly no one will try to fall. The action the sign demands is out of the person's control. What the sign is trying to say is: “Be careful not to fall because the staircase is steep or slippery." In English speaking countries a similar sign would simply read:"Watch your step."

Handicap Accessibility
Signage that explains or locates facilities for the physically handicapped are often confusing in China. This is a topic we often treat with sensitivity in the West, so words such as "deformed" as seen in this picture are not appropriate. For facilities including restrooms, we used the term "handicap accessible." This can also pertain to ramps, sinks, etc.

Nature
Often times with the signage posted in parks or nature reserves, the signs try to portray a sense of poetry. If the message is that visitors should stay off the grass, simply say Keep off the grass. Using unnecessary words, rhymes and poems only hides the message. A good rule of thumb is to keep it simple.

Less is more
Many signs in China just say too much. The meaning of the signs can be said in much fewer words. By using fewer words the message is therefore clearer. Many people coming to China do not speak Chinese, but English may not be their first language either, and their knowledge of English may be limited. Therefore, keeping the language simple makes the signs much more effective in addressing the warning or behaviour that sign dictates.

Common Phrases:

1)Attention, Be careful, Caution, Watch Your Step, Slippery When Wet, Caution - Wet Floor
All of these would be common phrases on English signs where walking may be difficult, dangerous, etc.

2) Please…..
Most signage in the West begins with Please, before a request or command.

3) Welcome to …….
Many signs in China begin with Welcome at ……, instead of Welcome to……..

4) Please Do Not Touch
This is a common and very easily understood message for any item that should not be touched, this can pertain to relics or art works in museums, architectural sites outdoors or even natural things such as plants and rocks.

5) Stay on the path/sidewalk
This is a simple and easily understood way to keep visitors on the right track at a tourist site, which will then protect the site or greenery surrounding the path you wish the visitors to take.

6) Keep off the grass
This is the simplest way to keep the grass thriving, no poetry necessary.

These are just a few examples, of course, but I hope that is helpful for some of the common mistakes that can be seen around Beijing. I think the best thing to keep in mind is a small phrase in simple language is best.

（Note: Ted Utoft's speech at the launch ceremony of the "Public Bilingual Sign Standardization Drive"）

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2008-6-1 21:52:10

Keeping the language simple makes the signs much more effective

Tags: 常见问题

发布:langstudio | 分类:经验总结 | 评论:19 | 引用:0 | 浏览:

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本言工社

欢迎光临本言工社翻译博客，一起分享做一个翻译人的苦辣辛酸。

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2008-6-1 21:52:10

Keeping the language simple makes the signs much more effective

Tags: 常见问题

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