公示语翻译错误示例

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公示语错误例子

公示语错误例子

公示语错误例子【篇一:公示语错误例子】为了认识详细情况,笔者组织学生走上街头进行实地察看,对哈尔滨市存在的公示语汉英翻译错误进行了检查解析,睁开了一次授课实践活动。

在实践授课中,学生们发现,城市的街头巷尾上各处充斥着公示语汉英翻译的错误。

包括商场及酒店旅店的牌匾、街路牌、银行及旅游景点指示牌等等。

经过对所发现的翻译错误进行总结,我们将主要错误分类以下:1.拼写错误例 1 美视达眼镜译为“mei shi da giass 〞眼镜应拼写为“glass 〞,而且应使用复数形式。

而且,依照?现代实用英语例解?,英语公示语的突出特色之一是常常所实用大写字母。

建议译为“meishida glasses 〞。

拼写错误在公示语翻译的全部错误中属于最先级的错误,简单的一个“glass 〞是小学生都会拼写的。

但令人遗憾的是,在我们身边此类错误俯拾皆是,在此就不一一赘述。

2.语法错误例 2 金太阳购物中心的广告语“创立流行,带动潮流〞译为“createtopdriven trend 〞其中的两个动词“创立〞和“带动〞,一个使用了动词原形“create 〞,一个使用了过去分词形式“driven 〞,而且“createtop 〞两词中间没有空格。

建议动词使用现在分词形式,名词“top 〞和“trend 〞前加定冠词,译为“creating the topdriving the trend 。

〞3.用词不当例 3 某一处售楼的广告语“大江岸上的院馆〞译为“museum of the hospital on shore dajiang 。

〞依照该楼盘的地址能够推测,“大江岸上〞指该处房产位于松花江边,翻译成“shoredajiang 〞会让外国人误解为“d ajirig 为另一条江的名字,而非松花江。

“hospital 一〞词的使用实在令人难懂,我们查阅了多部字典,该词只有“医院〞的意思。

试想一下,若是让外国读者看这那么广告的话,他们也许会以为是“医院博物馆〞的广告吧。

旅游景点英译公示语语用失误例析

旅游景点英译公示语语用失误例析

旅游景点英译公示语语用失误例析1. 引言1.1 研究背景旅游景点英译公示语在旅游业中扮演着十分重要的角色,它对游客传达着景点的信息和吸引力,因此公示语的翻译质量直接影响着游客的体验和对景点的评价。

在实际应用中,我们常常发现一些旅游景点英译公示语存在语用失误,这些失误不仅影响了景点的形象和吸引力,也会给游客带来困惑和误解。

研究旅游景点英译公示语的语用失误,有助于我们更好地了解公示语翻译中存在的问题和不足,为提升景点形象和吸引力提供指导和建议。

本研究旨在深入探讨旅游景点英译公示语中常见的语用失误,分析其影响因素,探讨解决方法,并通过案例分析具体呈现实际情况。

希望通过这一研究能够为提升旅游景点英译公示语翻译质量提供参考和借鉴,从而提升景点竞争力和吸引力。

1.2 研究目的The research purpose of this study is to investigate the common pragmatic errors in the English translations of tourist attraction signs, analyze the impact of these errors, and propose effective solutions to rectify them. By identifying and understanding the language use mistakes in these public signs, we aim to improve the overall communication and userexperience for both domestic and international tourists. This research also seeks to raise awareness among translators, tourism agencies, and local authorities about the importance of accurate and culturally appropriate translations in promoting tourism and enhancing the reputation of tourist destinations. Through in-depth analysis and case studies, we intend to provide practical insights and recommendations for improving the quality of English translations in tourist attraction signs. Ultimately, the research aims to contribute to the field of tourism translation studies and facilitate better communication between tourists and destination hosts.1.3 研究意义The significance of studying the language use errors in English translations of tourist attractions lies in the impact these errors can have on communication and understanding between tourists and locals. Tourist attractions are places where people from different cultural backgrounds come together, and accurate and effective communication is essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Language use errors can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, and even frustration for both tourists and locals.2. 正文2.1 语用失误的定义语用失误是指在语言交际中,由于使用者在语境、语用规范或语言习惯等方面的不当运用而产生的错误。

公示语错误例子

公示语错误例子

公示语错误例子【篇一:公示语错误例子】为了了解具体情况,笔者组织学生走上街头进行实地考察,对哈尔滨市存在的公示语汉英翻译错误进行了调查分析,开展了一次教学实践活动。

在实践教学中,学生们发现,城市的大街小巷上到处充斥着公示语汉英翻译的错误。

包括商场及酒店宾馆的牌匾、街路牌、银行及旅游景点指示牌等等。

通过对所发现的翻译错误进行总结,我们将主要错误分类如下:1.拼写错误例1美视达眼镜译为“mei shi da giass”眼镜应拼写为“glass”,而且应使用复数形式。

而且,根据《现代实用英语例解》,英语公示语的突出特点之一是往往全部用大写字母。

建议译为“meishida glasses”。

拼写错误在公示语翻译的所有错误中属于最低级的错误,简单的一个“glass”是小学生都会拼写的。

但令人遗憾的是,在我们身边此类错误比比皆是,在此就不一一赘述。

2.语法错误例2金太阳购物中心的广告语“创造流行,带动潮流”译为“createtopdriven trend”其中的两个动词“创造”和“带动”,一个使用了动词原形“create”,一个使用了过去分词形式“driven”,而且“createtop”两词中间没有空格。

建议动词使用现在分词形式,名词“top”和“trend”前加定冠词,译为“creating the topdriving the trend”。

3.用词不当例3某一处售楼的广告语“大江岸上的院馆”译为“museum of the hospital on shore dajiang”。

根据该楼盘的位置可以推测,“大江岸上”指该处房产位于松花江边,翻译成“shoredajiang”会让外国人误解为“d ajir ig 为另一条江的名字,而非松花江。

“hospital”一词的使用着实令人费解,我们查阅了多部字典,该词只有“医院”的意思。

试想一下,如果让外国读者看这则广告的话,他们也许会认为是“医院博物馆”的广告吧。

公示语汉英错译的原因分析及其翻译策略

公示语汉英错译的原因分析及其翻译策略

公示语汉英错译的原因分析及其翻译策略xx年xx月xx日contents •引言•公示语汉英错译的原因分析•公示语的翻译策略•公示语翻译的改进措施•实例分析•结论目录01引言用于公共场合,以文字、标志、图形等为媒介,向公众传达信息、指示、提示或警告的文字性应用文体公示语为公众提供直观、快捷、有效的信息,方便其出行、了解和使用公共场所或服务作用公示语的定义与作用公示语翻译的重要性公示语是国际游客了解中国的重要窗口公示语翻译的错误或不规范可能造成误解和不便良好的公示语翻译有助于提升国家形象和旅游业的繁荣研究目的与意义提出有效的翻译策略和方法,提高公示语翻译的质量和准确性为相关从业人员和研究者提供参考和借鉴,促进公示语翻译的规范化和标准化分析公示语汉英错译的原因,探讨其影响因素和常见问题02公示语汉英错译的原因分析语言结构差异汉语和英语有着不同的语言结构,例如汉语注重意合而英语注重形合,这容易导致翻译时忽略语言结构的差异,造成错译。

文化背景差异公示语通常涉及到特定文化背景和习俗,如果翻译时没有考虑到这些文化因素,就可能产生误解和错译。

语言差异与文化误解语法错误英语语法规则严格,时态、语态、语气等都有明确的规定,而汉语语法相对较为宽松,翻译时容易出现语法错误。

词汇错误公示语翻译中常涉及专业术语和特定词汇,如果翻译时选词不当或者忽略语境,就可能出现词汇错误。

语法错误与词汇错误公示语所处的语境常常是特定的场所或者事件,如果翻译时没有考虑到语境因素,就可能出现误导或者让人误解的情况。

语境错误英语中一些表达方式需要考虑到交际对象、社会文化等因素,如果翻译时忽略了这些语用规则,就可能导致表达不得体或者不得要领。

语用失误语境错误与语用失误03公示语的翻译策略1 2 3在公示语翻译中,应参照英语中相应的表达方式,保持原有的语气、语境和功能。

平行文本翻译公示语应简洁明了,避免使用生僻词汇或过于复杂的句式。

简洁明了公示语的翻译应符合英语的表达习惯,避免中式英语或生硬翻译。

城市公示语翻译的错误类型及解决措施

城市公示语翻译的错误类型及解决措施

城市公示语翻译的错误类型及解决措施1. IntroductionWith many places famous for its natural sceneries and historical relics, China is predicted to be the most frequently-visited country in the world and the fourth largest suppliers of tourists in next few years. During these years, some tourist resorts have attracted thousands of visitors from all over the world. For the foreigners, the public signs in the tourist attractions are windows to get a better understanding of China. As a global language, English is given the priority to be the corresponding equivalence of the public signs in Chinese. The data and examples are collected from public signs, travel brochures, and websites of the tourist attractions. Among these translations, some public signs are good and standard. However, the general situation is far from satisfactory. Besides some noticeable lexical and grammatical errors, improper and confusing expressions are ubiquitous. This kind of translation not only fails to achieve the information, intentions and functions of the signs, but also affects the whole image of China and thus the Chinese tourism industry.Informative, appropriate and attractive translations of public signs are urgently needed. Translators following the guidance of a scientific translation theory could work more effectively. Translation theory put forward by Peter Newmark can explain these unsatisfactory translation phenomena and his communicative translation strategy is helpful to improve the current situation in C-E translation of public signs in tourist attractions.2. An Overview of Communicative Translation2.1 Newmark‟s Text TypologyBühkler sorts the functions of language into three types: the expression, representation and appeal function. And based on it, Jacobson (Newmark, Peter2001) [1]classifies language into six functions: the expressive, informative, vocative, phatic, metalingual and aesthetic function. Peter Newmark absorbs these two theories critically and establishes his text typology. He divides the texts into three main types: the expressive, the informative and the vocative texts.“The core of the expressive text is the mind of the speaker, the writer, the originator of the utterance”. (Newmark, Peter 2001) [2] The author uses the utterance to express his feeling irrespective of any response. Expressive text focuses on the author‟s status in translation, thus it‟s author-centered and it means the author‟s status in the original texts is emphasize d. Typical texts of this type include autobiography, literature like poetry, novels and plays, and authoritative statements such as documents, political speeches, and scientific, philosophical and academic works.“The informative text stresses the“external situation, reality outside language, includingreported ideas or theories”. (Newmark, Peter 2001) [2] The information is what the author intends to deliver to the reader or audience. Textbooks, technical reports, articles in newspapers or periodicals, public signs, scenic spots introductions, scientific papers, and thesis are typical of the informative text.The function of the vocative text is to “call upon the readership to act, think or feel, in fact to …react‟ in the way intended by the text”. (Newmark, Peter2001)[2]According to Newmark, two factors are essential to the vocative texts, namely, the relationship between the reader and the writer, the comprehensibility and readability of the texts. Typical vocative texts include notices, instructions, publicity, advertisements, and persuasive writing.Although a text of pure function and purpose can seldom be found, from a broader perspective, texts can be all classified into these three types. And to different types of text, according to Newmark, two kinds of translation strategies can be applied.2.2Communicative Translation V.S. Semantic TranslationThe main concern of translation theory is to determine appropriate translation methods for the widest possible range of text. The long dispute over the chosen between literal translation and liberal translation can be ended by Newmar k‟s translation theory. The two translation strategies proposed by Newmark are appropriate to any text based on his text typology, i.e. communicative and semantic translation. Communicative translation attempts to produce on its readers an effect as close as possible to that obtained on the readers of the original; and semantic translation attempts to render, as closely as the semantic and syntactic structures of the second language allow, the exact contextual meaning of the original. Eugene Nida (Newmark, Peter 2001)[2]comments that Newmark‟s major contribution to translation is putting forward communicative and semantic translation. And the distinction becomes especially relevant for the diversity of texts.The goal of communicative translation is to produce the same effect on the TL readers as that produced by the original texts on the ST readers. Instead of just mirroring the words of ST, communicative translation maintains that the translation should be target language-oriented in the aspect of linguistics, culture and pragmatics. It caters more to the TL readers by producing the messages of the original. Thus readability and naturalness are the criteria for communicative translation. By restructuring or rearranging the clause and reinforcing the emphasis, the translator has the right and responsibility to meet the criteria.To help readers to fully comprehend the text, communicative translation makes the translation closer to them and transfers the social value, cultural elements and language peculiarities imbued in the original text into the TL translation. Thus the translator is given more liberty dealing with the source text. He/she can reset the sentences to serve in the interests of the target reader when thinking that translating the original text which is somewhat awkward or liable to cause misunderstandings in the original sentence sequence.Communicative translation is applied when non-authoritative texts are translated, taking public signs in tourist attractions for example.In contrast, semantic translation is a mode of text transfer which involves using only syntactic and semantic constrains of the TL to duplicate the exact contextual meaning the author intends. It focuses on the semantic content of the SL text and attaches equal importance to the style of the text. Priority is given to the meaning and form of the original. When translating authoritative texts, including literature, religious texts and legal texts, the translator should apply the methodof semantic translation.According to Newmark, communicative translation is applied for “informative” and “vocative” texts, and semantic translation is for “expressive” text. Although the two strategies are different from each other, he remarks that “communicative an d semantic translation may well coincide” because actually there are overlaps of communicative and semantic translation methods. There is no clear-cut line separating semantic translation from communicative translation, nor is there an indicator showing which part of a text is expressive, informative or vocative. The two methods are complementary in dealing with specific translation problems and the three text types are mingled with one another in a text. But some texts intend to lay particular stress on one text type, some others on another. Therefore, a translation can be more or less communicative or more or less semantic.3. An overview of public signs3.1The Definition of Public Signs“Public signs” is new general fashionable vocabulary which is verbal language read in public. The public signs are the words and image information including instructions,; display; alarming and etc., that relate to live hood; manufacture and life.(Hefa Lv,2005;9)[3]Public signs have great range of usage, and deep into all aspects of life. Guideboard, advertising board, road sign, shop signs, warnings, slogan, tourist attractions introduction and ect., All reflects the overall quality of the society and self-cultivation and mental attitude.3.2The classification of Public SignsZongsheng Dai and Hefa Lv point it out that there are 4 functions of public signs are Directive; prompting function; Restrictive;Mandatory. ( Wang Yin Hefa Lv 2007) [4]3.2.1 Directive functionDirective function: directive function that is not restrictive and mandatory provides thoughtful information services and it asks not the actions taken by readers, however, it just uses to indicate content of service. For examples:Conference Center: 会议中心Washing Bay: 洗车场International Departure: 国际出发Super Market: 超级市场These public signs have been significantly used in cities or facilities of tourist attraction and religious clubs and foreign institutions and etc.. Lots of nouns are used in language style showing “Static State” information.3.2.2 Promoting FunctionThe major purpose of promoting public signs is to promote the readers, but has no particular meaning. The usage of these is wide enough, such as:Check In:入住登记Admission Free: 免费入场Cable Car Entrance: 缆车入口Smoke-Free Scenic Area:无烟景区Verbs phrase and noun phrase that is characterized by few words and easy identification are applied in this public signs.3.2.3 Restricted FunctionRestricted public signs are always straightforward in wording with a view to constrict and limit relative actions of common people. For instance:Ticket Only: 凭票入场Keep Silence: 保持安静Give Way to Buses: 公交优先Keep Distance :保持车距3.2.4 Mandatory FunctionRestricted signs require correlation public to take actions or not to take any actions. The language features are frank and the tones is stiff and prohibit firsthand and order people to take some certain actions. Like:No Parking: 禁止停车No Littering: 请勿乱扔废弃物No Smoking: 禁止吸烟“As for the pragmatic function of public functions, the ecological and environmental protection is also the vital function, excepting the 4 functions above”(王银泉.2007,5) [5]. Like “ Don‟t pick flowers”, “ Shopping with cloth bag is fashionable” and etc. Public signs which are simple, specified; standard; and etc. connect the specification patterns and personalization so as to become a special social dialect. It‟s aiming at restrain the public such as calling people to obey the social morality, and prohibiting any actions that do harm to the public.4. The translation problems of public signs4.1 Linguistic translation errors (pragmatic errors)Finding linguistic translation errors that means linguistic translation itself has no problems; linguistic translation errors are not easy to be noticed in that it differs from grammatical errors which just does not comply with idiomatic expression of target language, or occurs in improper context so that the readers feel confused and unsatisfied. The grammatical errors may be caused by authors low language proficiency; carelessness. All of this can be avoided. However, linguistic translation errors are elusive and hard to discover so that the results caused by it is more severe than grammatical errors.Grammatical errors wo n‟t produce side effect on readers, nevertheless, Linguistic translation errors are likely to cause mistakes, what is worse, the errors like that may hurt readers or make readers laugh. As an old saying says“Grammatical errors”indicates that speakers do not have good command of language, but linguistic translation errors manifest the quality of speakers.Let‟s view some typical examples of public signs. “闲人免进” is translated into “No Lazy People” . This kind of translation method which is funny only is milli on miles away from the meaning from original one. The standard one is “Staff only”. “出口” is translated into“Export”. As a result, it becomes another one“出口”.The accurate translation is “Exit”. “欢迎再次光临” is translated into“Welcome You Again”. This kind of version makes friends of foreign countries feel unfriendly and polite and confused. Idiomatic translation of this is “Welcome Back”.Figure 1. Common non-standard public signs“小心路滑”is translated into“Carefully slide”which is totally another meaning. The right one is “Caution, Wet Floor”.Figure 2. Common non-standard public signs“请勿吸烟” is translated into“Thank you for not smoking”which is not idiomatic and demoded. The most idiomatic one is “No Smoking”.4.2 The classification of public signs4.2.1 MisspellingThis kind of error includes increasing or decreasing alphabet when spelling; spelling some words separately, and wrong writing or incorrect spelling. For example,PIC 1-3Figure 3. Common non-standard public signsThe clothing in shop is translated into “Womenswear”(女装); actually the correct translation is “Ladies‟ dress”. “太和门” is translated into “Gate of Supreme Harmony”. The exact translation is“Gate of Supreme Harmony”4.2.2 Grammatical errorsThe second one is grammar errors. Single or plural forms, tense, voice and agreement of categories are the elements which frequently cause problems in Chinese to English translation.Figure 4. Common non-standard public signsFor example, “严禁随地吐痰” is translated into “Rigorous spit everywhere” instead of “No Spitting” or “Please Don‟t Spit”.Grammatical errors are the most common error of public signs translation, for instance, the improper use of singular and plural of noun; tenses of verb are wrong; wrong usages of verbs and noun and etc. The following is the common misuse of public signs:Figure 5. Common non-standard public signs“女卫生间”is translated into “Woman”. This sentence wants to focus on the “plural”. First, it should be “Women”, second, it is not comply with international standard. The accurate and authentic translation of this is “Ladies”. “请勿乱对垃圾”is translated into “No Litter”. The verb “litter” is adopted in a wrong way. It should be“No Littering”.Figure 6. Common non-standard public signsFigure 7. Common non-standard public signs“男卫生间” is “MAIE” which incorrectly uses incorrectly singular and plural of noun. It should be “Gents”. “女卫生间”is“FAMAIE”which incorrectly uses incorrectly singular and plural of noun. It should be “Ladies”.The crucial reason for this error is that the translator is not qualified who can not use the method of application of public signs well so as to cause low-level grammatical errors. Of course, but more often, it belongs to translator‟s carelessness, or the translator has no time to check and review since time is tight.4.2.3 Lexical errorsLexical errors cover: collocation error; mixing synonyms; semantic ambiguity and etc. The exit of some shopping mall says “欢迎您再来” which is translated into “Welcome you to come”, however, the collocation of “Welcome‟‟ is not right. The proper translation is “We Welcome You to Come Back” or “Please come agai n﹗” “铜陵市支行” which is put into “TONGLING SHI COUNTRY SUB BRANCH” the sign mixes English and Chinese up and uses both o f the two languages to translate. “TONGLING CITY‟‟ should be used instead of “TONGLING SHI‟‟ And , using “branch‟‟ is enough to convey the meaning “支行‟‟, so it is cumbersome to add “sub”. The version “TONGLING CITY BRANCH‟‟ is accepted.4.2.4 Cultural translation errorsIt is impossible to separate the use of a language from the culture in which the language is deeply embedded. The interwoven relationship between language and culture has a dual sense. Language is a part of culture and plays a very important role in it.4.2.5 Unidiomatic ExpressionsCustom culture refers to a kind of custom resulting from long-period social life and activities. There are so many aspects being different between English and Chinese, such as greeting, appellation, giving thanks, apologizing, complimenting and making phones. For instance, when people greet others, Chinese people always ask:“Have you finished your work?”“Where are you going?”“What are you doing”By contrast, in western culture, there are real question, so they will feel weird and think“will you be ready for my dinner?”“Where am I going and what am I doingis none of your business.”Figure 8. Common non-standard public signsExample 2, English version: ORGANISM, the meaning of Chinese words and identity are always obscure and the readers have to understand the whole writing from the context. The right one is “Unrecyclable”4.2.6 ChinglishIt‟s word-for-word translation among which some are called Chinglish. This may lead to misunderstandings by the foreigner s. For example, “上楼”is translated into “Up Stair”. Though there is no error and it does express the literal meaning of the Chinese, it does not in accordance with language habits of English thus loses the function of direction.Taking words literally is considerate into Chinglish which means mechanical translating words by words and sitting by number. It does not take the lexical connotation and order of English which causes a whale of a difference between the native English and translation version. Take so me scenic spots translation for example: “注意安全” is interpreted into “notice safety” which is said “注意” is “notice” and “安全” becomes “safety” more instances like below:(1)必须安全带帽。

旅游景点英译公示语语用失误例析

旅游景点英译公示语语用失误例析

旅游景点英译公示语语用失误例析旅游景点英译公示语是指在旅游景点中使用的公示语,它是游客获取信息、导向方向、了解景点特色的主要途径。

由于语言和文化差异,翻译时经常出现语用失误,给游客的理解和体验带来困扰甚至误导。

下面是一些旅游景点英译公示语语用失误例析。

例1:中文原文:请勿触摸雕塑。

英文译文(错误):Please don't touch the sculpture.问题分析:这个例子中,译者直接翻译了中文的“触摸”一词,但在英文中,更常用的表达方式是“touch”,它有触摸、碰触的意思,但刻意追求触摸的程度和方式可能更合适。

所以译文应该改为:“Please don't touch the sculpture with your hands.”例3:中文原文:淋浴时间限制15分钟。

英文译文(错误):Shower time is limited to 15 minutes.问题分析:这个例子中,“淋浴时间限制15分钟”这个信息是想告诉游客在淋浴时限制时间为15分钟,但是译文中的“limited to”给人一种不提倡超过15分钟的感觉,给游客留下了误导。

所以译文应该改为:“Please limit your shower time to 15 minutes.”例5:中文原文:报警电话110。

英文译文(错误):Emergency call 110.问题分析:在中文中,“报警电话”是指报警所使用的电话号码,但在译文中的“Emergency call”更像是表示发生紧急情况时打电话,而不是向游客告知报警电话号码。

所以译文应该改为:“Dial 110 for emergencies.”。

旅游景点英译公示语语用失误例析

旅游景点英译公示语语用失误例析

旅游景点英译公示语语用失误例析在旅游景点中,公示语是极其重要的,可以指引游客前往正确的区域,更好地了解景点的信息和规定。

在一些景点的公示语中,有时可能出现语用错误,这可能会给游客带来误解或造成不良影响。

以下是一些旅游景点公示语的语用失误例子及分析。

1. “Welcome to our sightseeing area, do not feed the animals, we are not responsible for any accidents caused by feeding.”(欢迎来到我们的观光区,不要喂动物,我们不对喂食引起的任何事故负责。

)分析:这句话使用了“我们不负责”的说法,给人留下景区管理者不负责的印象。

更好的表述方式是“请勿喂食动物,为了您的安全和动物的健康,请遵守规定。

”2. “Do not litter, put garbage into the trash cans.”(不要乱扔垃圾,把垃圾放入垃圾桶。

)分析:这句话中没有明确规定游客应该在何处寻找垃圾桶。

更好的表述方式是“请勿随地乱扔垃圾,垃圾桶位于景区的各个角落,请勿难找。

”3. “Please do not climb the fence, there are electric wires on it, which may cause electric shock.”(请勿攀爬栏杆,栏杆上有导电线,可能会导致电击。

)分析:这句话没有强调电击的严重性,建议改为“栏杆上有导电线,请勿攀爬以避免发生电击事故,因此为了您的安全,请不要攀爬。

”4. “The restroom is located on the left, please keep quiet while entering.”(厕所位于左侧,请进入时保持安静。

)分析:这句话中没有明确规定游客应该如何保持安静,更好的表述方式是“请进入时保持安静,避免影响其他游客和附近的居民。

最为经典的公示语翻译错误

最为经典的公示语翻译错误

最为经典的公示语翻译错误2012-12-11 16:59假设你在浙江东部一沿海城市游玩,突然看到一个上面写着“码头进口Quay Import”的标牌,你会怎么做呢?是拿起相机把它拍下来,还是继续向前寻找与之相对的另一块牌子?就我而言,我是两者兼顾,不仅拍了第一块牌子,而且还费劲周折找到“Quay Export”,并把它拍了下来。

因为这些可谓是最为经典的公示语翻译错误。

看了这样的翻译,大家也许想问这样两个问题:这些公示语到底是谁翻译的?他们是怎么翻的?细细一想,我敢肯定的是这些人只是随手拿起一部汉英词典,翻到“出口”条所在的页码,然后不管三七二十一随便照搬了一个义项,于是就有了quay export的笑话。

其实,类似的错误在全国各地到处可见。

例如,在安徽泾县桃花潭风景区(标牌上的译名为“Peach blossom deep pool scenic spot”)中,近出口的一处停车场被翻译成“Exports parking lot”。

又如,在浙江桐庐瑶琳仙境,“由此出口”被译成了“From this exports”。

令人啼笑皆非的“出口”翻译还有两个:一个是“exportation”,另一是“outlet”。

前者不足为奇,因为它同样可在汉英词典中的“出口”条下找到。

就后者而言,若放在几百年前,它还是说得通的,因为在现代英语初期,outlet也可以被解释为“a passage or way out, an exit”(即“出口”),而如今这样的用法已经被淘汰。

不过,outlet现在的确还可以表示“way out”的意思,但它通常用来指代水或蒸汽,如an outlet for water(排水孔)。

假如我们打开一部汉英词典,然后翻到“出口”条下,我们还会惊喜地发现与exit、way out 同义的还有一个叫做outgo的词语。

确切地说,outgo与上述的outlet在一百多年前是同义词,因为在《牛津英语大词典》中outgo的第四义项被解释为“outlet, means of egress”(egress为正式用语,表示“外出”的意思)。

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district (zone).
• Do not litter (with fruit peel, wastepaper, etc.)
• Location: Nanjing, China. • No Entry. Danger of Electrocution.
• Location: Dali,Yunnan. • Many people may not know that 舢舨 (sampan) is a China
• The old millennium trees remind us the daunting task of forest fire prevention for
• Location: Mount Emei, China. • Strictly no smoking and fire in the first class fire
• Literally, the meaning of Chinese sentences are “A jade has to be sculpted before forming an art piece.”
• Its equivalent English proverbs are “An uncut gem does not sparkle.” and “Spare the rod and spoil the child.”
• Location: Yuexiu Park, Guangzhou China.
• Keep off from the grass; Don’t
• Location: Taipei Taiwan.
• No Swimming Danger! Strong water current; Deep water. No water sports are allowed.
• Observe: to perform duly or solemnize (ceremonies, rites, etc.).
• Please observe incense offering
• This slogan is in the notice board of a school. At first, I thought it was an advertisement in the Chinese brothel house.
• This is one of my favorite Chinglish signs. The message conveyed is totally opposite with its intended purpose.
• Watch your child. Prevent child falls into the water.
• Do not feed your food to fishes.
• Verbatim translation, ”It’s a heavy responsibility of forest fire prevention; The old millennium trees are flourishing.”
• A person has to be
• Location: Shenzhen China. • Aboard here for individual ticket holders.
• Hotel Booking Department
• Everybody has the responsibility to protect plants.
• My goodness, they are expecting foreign visitors to decipher their funny signage. I believe the encoded message is do not enter the grass field (我是小 草) for photo taking (你的倩影).
公示语翻译 quiet; Keep silent; Not to make noise
• Office. Our Staff Only. • Office. No Entry for Tourists. • Office. No Admittance for Tourists
• 又一个”文明”! One more civility! That is a daunting task to “dechinglish” or eliminate civility.
• I choose observe for its appropriateness in this context.
• We all are living under the blue sky, 同在一片小蓝天下 • Protecting green environment is up to us. 爱护绿化靠大家
• Yeah…We know that part is for other purposes, thank you for your “kindness” to remind us.
• Viewing Platform
• Location: Tiger Hill Pagoda Park, Suzhou China.
• I doubt many native speakers can understand the meaning of “virescence” (misspell as virescene in the sign).
• According to online dictionary,
• Virescence – noun (Botany) is state of becoming somewhat, though usually not totally, green, due to the abnormal presence of chlorophyll.
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