公示语汉英翻译及其翻译策略
公示语翻译1

例如:严禁拍照 (No Photography)、禁止通行 (Don’t
Walk)、严禁超车(Overtaking Prohibited)、禁扔废弃 物(No Littering)
6. 宣传性公示语(Public Slogans)
宣传性公示语向公众传递信息或者对某一特定事件进行
宣传,如新北京,新奥运(New Beijing, Great
1. 正在检修,请绕行 2. 正在检修,请您稍候 3. 电梯维修,暂停使用 4. 禁止鸣笛 5. 服务区 6. 服务监督电话 7. 检票处 8. 售票处
公示语翻译技巧
去繁从简 遵从习惯 程式化套译 使用祈使句 使用一般现在时
去繁从简
“青岛是我家,清洁靠大家” Qingdao is my home, its cleanness depends on all of us. Keep Our City Clean.
No Stopping(请勿停留),No Spitting(禁止吐痰) Keep Silence(保持安静),Slow Down(减速慢行),
Sold Out(售完)
VIP Lounge
(Very Important Person Lounge, 贵宾休息室)
BRT
(Bus Rapid Transit, 快速公交系统)
遵从习惯
符合目的语语言表达习惯。
“前方修路,请慢驾驶” Road Work Ahead
“该段路为单行道” One Way
程式化套译
由于标识语的结构日益国际化,而文字的表述比较固 定,因此翻译时可以采用程式化的方式来进行套译。 禁止做某事:No + 名词或动名词 禁止掉头:No Turn 禁止停车:No Parking
公示语翻译presentation

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3.4 考虑文化习惯
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• 老弱病残孕即为一例。Courtesy Seats或Priority Seats国外通用。 • 有一家名为“银狐”的美容美发中心,其店名被 译为“Silver Fox Beauty and Hair Design Center”。在西方,“fox”隐含有“狡猾,奸诈” 等贬义,不像在汉语里,虽然也隐含有贬义,但 是“狐”还常常给人以“美丽、迷人、风情万种、 千娇百媚”的联想,我国文学大家蒲松龄笔下的 狐仙们便常常是美丽多情的女子。基于这种文化 差异,将店名译为“silver fox”不妥,会使不少西 方人望而却步。此处可以考虑用拼音的方式来翻 译“银狐”。再如“白象”,“巨龙酒店”。
• 服务、指示、说明性质的公示语大量使用名词。 如:“表演中心”是“PERFORMANCE CENTER”、“注册登记”是“REGISTRATION” 等。 • 限制性、强制性的公示语大量使用动词或动名词。 如“保持安静”是“KEEP SILENCE”、“严禁停 车”是“NO PARKING”等。 • 公示语大量使用短语。如“现在营业“是 “OPEN NOW”、“售完”是“SOLD OUT”等。 • 公众和旅游者最常接触和使用的公共设施和服务 的公示语往往会使用缩略语,如“P”表示“停车 场”,“SQ”表示“广场”、“F&B”表示“餐饮 服务”、“CNTR”表示“中心”、“IDD”表示
3.1
统一
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• 如果英语国家有现成的惯用的公示语,可直接借 鉴。例如公路上的“保持车距”,英文表达不是 “Keep space”也不是“Keep the distance between vehicles”,而是“Keep your distance”。“在营业中”不是“In business”, 而是“Open”;商店里的“打8折”不是“80% discount”而是“20% off”;
城市公示语的汉英翻译-最新文档

城市公示语的汉英翻译在全球化的今天,中国城市公示语大多采用了中英两种语言,但其英文翻译质量却令人担忧。
公示语的英文翻译不是一种摆设,它们不仅为在中国的外国人提供方便和帮助,也是展示在外国人面前的一张张城市的名片,其翻译质量直接影响到我们在国际上的形象。
因此本文通过对城市公示语汉英翻译存在的问题进行分析总结,并重提公示语的翻译原则,从而对公示语汉英翻译提供理论上的指导。
、城市公示语汉英翻译存在的常见错误1.公示语信息被缺省在实际的翻译过程中,译者的因素使译文缺省了一些必要信息,从而导致整个公示语译文版本信息不足。
例如,动物园里经常见到不同的动物馆,像虎馆,狮馆,狼馆等。
其英文翻译大多都是“ tiger, lion, wolf ”。
译文中就少了一个必要的”馆字,很容易让外国人产生误解。
外国人可能会认为此标示传达的是“小心老虎,此处有虎”或者是其它的意思等。
2.公示语原意被歪曲相对于公示语译文的信息缺省,公示语原意被歪曲的错误就更为严重,它直接导致了公示语原文与译文指令的截然不同,从而给人造成更大的困惑和误解。
例如,一机动车停车场出口的旁边挂着一个牌子,上面写着“出口”,其英文被翻译为Export ”。
其实这是” Exit ”的误用, 外国人肯定百思不得其 解,此处出口什么? 出口汽车吗?3. 译文语气使用不当公示语的语气也非常重要, 但是很多公示语英语译文就没 有很好地传达原文的语气, 从而导致语气不当, 或太强或太弱, 因而达不到最佳的公示效果。
例如, 在很多服务场所经常看到贵客止步“的提示,其英文翻译很多情况下被处理成了 ” 等, 这些英文翻 only. ” 才更为妥当。
4. 译文术语搭配不当由于译者对一些固定术语搭配结构不熟悉, 公示语英语译文 不能达到预期效果, 从而可能导致对公示语的误解。
例如“留学 生公寓”被英译为了“ Foreign Stude nts DormitoryBuilding ”, 或许在过去还可以接受, 但是随着时代的变化它已 经过时,继续使用就显的不合时宜。
旅游景点公示语翻译错误分析及翻译技巧探讨

二、公示语翻译的错误分析
1、语言错误:这类错误主要包括语法错误、拼写错误、标点符号错误等。 这些错误可能是由于译者语言水平不足或者粗心大意造成的。
2、文化错误:文化差异是公示语翻译中一个重要的考虑因素。如果译者没 有充分了解源语言和目标语言的文化背景,可能会导致翻译的误导或误解。
3、语境错误:公示语的翻译需要考虑具体的语境。如果翻译没有考虑到特 定的场合和目标人群,可能会产生不准确或者不得体的翻译。
三、公示语翻译的汉英翻译原则
1、准确性:在翻译公示语时,准确性是首要的原则。译者应该准确理解源 语言的含义,并使用目标语言准确表达出来,避免歧义和误解。
2、简洁性:公示语的主要目的是提供简洁明了的信息。因此,在翻译过程 中,应该尽量使用简洁的语言,避免冗长和复杂的表达。
3、统一性:在同一个场合或同一类场所,公示语的翻译应该保持统一,避 免混淆和误解。
本次演示以郴州旅游景点为例,对公示语的翻译错误进行分析,并探讨合适 的翻译技巧。
二、公示语翻译错误分析
1、拼写错误:这类错误通常是由于单词拼写错误或大小写不正确引起的。 例如,郴州某景点的公示语"Visitors Guide"被错误地翻译为"Vistors Guide", 大小写不一致导致语义混淆。
4、运用合适的翻译策略:根据具体情况,可以运用直译、意译、音译等不 同的翻译策略。例如,对于一些具有中国特色且在目标语言中没有对应表达的词 汇或短语,可以采用音译或解释性的方法进行翻译,以便游客更好地理解。
5、建立专业的翻译团队:为了避免翻译错误,旅游部门可以建立专业的翻 译团队,进行公示语的翻译和审核工作。团队成员应具备扎实的双语知识和对文 化差异的敏感性。
本次演示将分析旅游景点公示语翻译错误的常见原因,探讨翻译技巧,并通 过具体案例进行分析,旨在提高旅游景点公示语的翻译质量。
英语专业全英毕业论文(汉英公示语翻译)

本科毕业论文题目:On English Translation of ChinesePublic Signs 院(系):外语系班级:英语级班姓名:学号:指导教师:教师职称:汉英公示语的翻译摘要公示语向来被称作“城市的脸孔",是给所有到中国来的外国人士留下第一印象的中国名片。
然而,公示语翻译的错误比比皆是,这大大影响了公示语作用的发挥,削弱了我国的国际形象。
为了树立我国良好的国际形象,不断规范和完善城市公示语的翻译成为了一项亟待完成的工作。
基于以上原因,作者尝试从理论和实践的角度分析现今汉英公示语翻译中所存在的一些问题。
通过对大量标准以及问题公示语翻译的深入观察分析,作者对公示语的一般特征进行了总结并对公示语翻译中出现的问题进行了分类,从而在实践观察和对相关理论深入研究的基础上提出相应的翻译策略。
翻译并不仅仅是跨语言行为,它更是一种文化信息的传递。
公示语的翻译同样如此。
得体的公示语翻译不仅在语言上要无懈可击,在文化信息传递上也要雅俗共赏。
本文还对公示语的概念做出了解释,并根据目的需求与功能两种标准对公示语做了分类。
在介绍公示语的特征时,作者将其分为语言特征与功能特征,特征与分类不同,也决定了需要采取不同的翻译策略。
关键词:汉英翻译;公示语;问题;翻译策略On English Translation of Chinese PublicSignsAbstractPublic signs, which have alway s been referred to “face of city”, are the first impression of China for the people who come to China. However, the ubiquitous translation mistakes of public signs greatly undermine the international image of China. So,specificating and constantly perfecting the translation of public signs have become an urgent work in order to establish a good international image.The paper ventures an attempt to analyze the current problems existing in the C-E translation of public signs and to seek proper translational strategies both from the perspectives of theory and practice.By closely observing numerous samples of both standard and problematic translation of signs,the author manages to generalize the characteristics of public signs and to categorize the problems and mistakes in the current C-E translation of public signs.Then, proper translational strategies are proposed on the basis of in-depth study of relevant theories and keen observation of practice.Translation is not merely a cross-linguistic activity, but more of a transmission of cultural information.The translation of public signs is no exception.An appropriate translation of public sign should not only belinguistically correct, but also culturally acceptable.This paper expresses the meaning of the public signs and classify the signs according to the standards of objective demand and function. And the characteristics of the public signs are different studied from linguistic features and functional features,which determines to adopt different translation strategies.Key words: Chinese-English translation public sign problems translation strategyContents摘要 (I)Abstract (II)CHAPTER I Introduction (1)1.1 O bjective of the study (1)1.2 Significance of the study (1)1.3 Structure of the paper (2)CHAPTER II General Introduction to Public Signs (3)2.1 Definition of Public Signs (3)2.2 Functions of Public Signs (3)2.2.1 Directing function (4)2.2.2 Prompting function (4)2.2.3 Restricting function (4)2.2.4 Compelling function (5)CHAPTER III Analysis on Problems in C-E Translation of Public Signs (6)3.1 Linguistic translation problems (6)3.1.1 Spelling errors (6)3.1.2 Grammatical errors (6)3.1.3 Wrong dictions (7)3.2 Cultural translation problems (7)CHAPTER IV Strategies of C-E Public Signs Translation and Requirementfor Translator (9)4.1 Principles of C-E translation of Public Signs (9)4.1.1 Clearness (9)4.1.2 Conciseness (10)4.1.3 Simple words (10)4.2 Methods of C-E translation of Public S igns (11)4.2.1 Modification (11)4.2.2 Addition (11)4.2.3 Omission (12)4.2.4 Mutual transformation of affirmative and negativee xpressions (13)4.3 Requirement for the t ranslators (13)CHAPTER V Conclusion (15)Acknowledgements (16)Works Cited (17)CHAPTER I Introduction1.1Objective of the studyThe research objective of the study is to examine the translation problems in the Chinese-English public signs translation and further propose the translation strategies as well as principles suitable for specific groups.The studies begin with the careful and long period of observation of the problems existing in the public signs translation. On the basis of the classification of the translation errors proposed by Christiane Nord, the author aims at the most appropriate translation strategies for each type. With the examination of sufficient sources, the author finds that it is not difficult to eliminate the errors at linguistic level since the text of the public signs is less complex than documentary and other instrumental texts due to its conciseness and directness features (Ni 18).1.2 Significance of the studyPublic S igns affect people’s life in a tremendous way. When somebody smokes, it is the public sign that stops him. In fascinating and mysterious spots where we have never been to, it is the public sign that teaches us related knowledge. Foreign visitors from all walks of life,such as entrepreneurs,professors,students and tourists come to China for various purposes.But for most of them,they know little about Chinese.In this case,it is necessary to translate Chinese public signs into English for the convenience of these foreign visitors.In this case, a proper translation helps establish a good image of China and enhance the cultural communication.1.3 Structure of the paperThe paper is structured with five chapters:The first chapter is a general introduction to the thesis, including the objective of the study, the structure of the thesis and the significance of the study. The second chapter makes a general introduction to public sign, including the definition and functions of public sign. The third chapter focuses on the problems of C-E translation of public signs from linguistics and cultural perspectives. The fourth chapter deals with translation strategies of C-E public signs in connection with principles, methods and the standardization for the translators, including modification, addition, omission and mutual transformation of affirmative and negative expressions. And the fifth chapter draws a conclusion to the paper,in which the author appeals for translators and scholars to make contributions to the C-E translation of public signs.CHAPTER II General Introduction to Public Signs2.1 Definition of Public SignsPublic Signs,which are usually called“signs”,include public notices,advertisements,slogans and expressions on the public signs.Public signs refer to “signs” in English and are defined in different ways.Ac cording to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English(1997),a sign is a piece of paper, metal, or wood with words or a picture that gives information,warnings,or instructions.In that sense, public sign is the general terms for indicators,signs,traffic signs, posters, slogans, warning, short notices,short instructions,stickers,and are becoming the catch word and the buzzword.All in all, public signs are so widely used and played important roles in our daily life.2.2 Functions of Public SignsPublic signs are essential to the normal operation of the society and their influence is also visible in almost every aspect of our daily life.Sometimes,we have to admit that our lives cannot do without the proper guidance that public signs provide to us.However, what usually happens is that we are prone to be bewildered by various public signs and the enormous information they convey to us.Therefore, it would be necessary to classify the public signs in terms of their functions as well as the status of information that they deliver.2.2.1 Directing functionDirecting is the most basic function of public signs, t his type of public signs is used to give readers related information about what the institution is,what it deals with and what kind of service it can provide.For example:Take Away(外卖),Gas Station(加油站),Emergency Exit(紧急出口),Business Hours(营业时间),Pause(暂停),Menu(菜单),Airport Security(机场安检).From the examples above we may tell that the language and the tone of these public signs are generally neutral,reflecting no attitude towards receptors.Therefore,public signs of this kind are purely informative rather than vocative.2.2.2 Prompting functionPromoting signs are similar to the directive ones in their informative function. While the difference is the former .carries the tone of warning,reminding the readers to pay some attention to certain things or activities.For example:Keep Clear(请保持清洁), Keep Silence(请保持安静),Wet Paint(油漆未干),Fully Booked(客满),Beware of Pickpockets(小心扒手),Maximum Height(限高).2.2.3 Restricting functionPublic Signs with restricting function impose restriction or even prohibition on receptors.The language used in this kind of signs are simple and direct but are not in rude,tough or impolite way.We can list some of them as following:Pay In Cash(现金支付),Slow Out(减速慢行),Keep Silence(保持安静),30 Minutes Parking(限停30分钟),Seat By Number(对号入座), Stand In Line(排队等候).2.2.4 Compelling functionCompelling function is the strongest considerable mood.It is used to prohibit the readers to do something or must do something.The language used is usually forceful,with no possibility of making a compromise.The sign with this function which we mostly often see is“No Smoking禁止吸烟”,that is to say that smoking iscompletely forbidden.Imperative sentence is not enough to express this strong mood,usually, we use“No+…”form,for example,“No Food禁止携带食物”.More examples:Don’t Touch(禁止触摸),No Cameras(禁止拍照),No Visitors(游客止步),No Trucks(卡车禁止通行),Dogs Not Allowed(禁止带狗入内).Translation of the public signs, translators not only need to grasp their function features since we use different mood to express different function,but also should keep their language features in mind during the translating.CHAPTER III Analysis on Problems in C-E Translation ofPublic Signs3.1 Linguistic translation problemsLinguistic translation errors are often due to deficiencies in the translator's source or target language competence (Nord 77).And in his book Pragmatics and English Language He Ziran explained that by making linguistic errors,the translators and interpreters fail to conform to the target language structures,instead they blindly translate the source text in their own language structures(157).Professor Wang Yinquan, classifies linguistic translation errors into: spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes and wrong diction (32).3.1.1 Spelling errorsSpelling errors are typical translation problems in bilingual public signs. The reasons for this type of errors attribute to the three factors: the incompetent language acquisition, the laziness of the translator when writing, the uncertainty of the correct spelling, among which the third type is most difficult to be identified. For example: 3.1.2 Grammatical errorsApart from spelling mistakes,many grammatical errors also occur in the translated signs.These errors appear in various forms,most of which result from the translator’s poor command of the English language or irresponsible working attitude.As a result,the translated public signs cannot be of any help to the target readers.Sometimes they may do damage the image of our city.For example: 室内停车场(Car Park)—It may be apparent to tell that the translator intends to use the word“park”as a noun to express the meaning of parking place for automobiles.However, as a noun the word actually means a public place wherepeople can entertain themselves with the landscape or public facilities in it.Therefore, it will be advisable to use the gerund form of the word “park”and translate it as“Indoor Parking”.3.1.3 Wrong dictionsWrong Dictions occur when t he translator doesn’t make right choices of words in the target culture that will lead to unsuccessful expression of the correct information to the target text receivers. In fact, many English words have more than one meaning. Sometimes one word used to describe the source culture may not be applicable in another situation and the diction is conditioned. The words chosen for each text might vary according to different semantic and syntactic features in different situations. For example:请勿采摘花朵--Please Don’t Pick Flowers. Here use“pick”to describe the gesture. In fact, there is a variety of expression in English corresponding with “摘”, of which one of the expressions is “pick”. But in the given circumstances, “pick”doesn’t equate with “摘”. “Pick”means to select among a variety of choices, but here the sender wants to persuade people not to pluck the flowers. The error is due to the confusion about the seemingly identical usage of one word.3.2 Cultural translation problemsAs we all know, people in different cultures may view the same thing in different ways and differ in the perspective of cognition.At the same time,they express the same idea in different way.As far as Chinese and English are concerned, culture differences are tremendous.Translation breaks down language barriers and thus realizes communication between cultures using different languages. In this sense, target readers approach to people of source culture whose beliefs, backgrounds, perception of the world are distinct from their own.For example:古装照相It is ancient to pack photo“古装照相”is a typical Chinese term. In English, people don’t have the correspondent term. According to the public signs translation convention, the signs which are composed of Chinese noun phrases are expected to have the same structure in English version, so the sentence is not correct in terms of the sentence structure. Also concerning the meaning of the sentence, it is wrongly translated that the foreigners can’t get the message which leads to the pragmatic failure of the assumed function. The correct version should be “Photos in ancient costume”.CHAPTER IV Strategies for C-E Public Signs Translation4.1 Principles of C-E translation of Public SignsAs we know, different functions need different language forms to convey and each language style possesses its special principles.Ni Chuanbin and Liu Zhi analyze the language principles of public signs in their essay“The Principles for C-E Translation of Public Signs and its Cases Study”,published in Shanghai Journal of Translators for Science and Technology(18).Firstly, the signs are on a board,so the language on the signs should be in concise way due to the comparatively small space.Secondly, some public signs must draw the public’s attention at the first sight and the readers can catch its meaning very quickly and correctly, especially the traffic signs,such as“Abrupt Turn Left Ahead前方急转弯”,the applied words should be simple ones instead of rare ones.At last,the meaning of the signs should be clear and easy to read,the sign is set without ambiguity. So we can know the principles in details as following:4.1.1 ClearnessDue to the short time the target reader can spend on reading the signs the meaning of the signs should be clear and easy to be understood.As the target readers are the common people who have little knowledge related to the concerned topic,the signs should directly hit the point and there should exist no vagueness.“严禁客货混装Don’t put passengers and cargos together”. It is hazy and not clearness. So the sign“严禁客货混装”should be translated into“No passengers on Trucks”.The signs are set for the public and not every reader is professional,therefore when we translate signs,we should hit the point directly and clearly and should notjust talk around the bush.4.1.2 ConcisenessAccording to William Strunk,Jr.and E.B.White in 1979(Joan Pinkham):“Vigorous writing is concise.A sentence should contain no unnecessary words,a paragraph no unnecessary sentences,for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.”It is also true of language of public signs.Usually, the readers for public signs just give a quick look at the board with signs on when they pass by.So the language on it need not be in a complete sentence,a phrase or just a word is enough,for example,“No Smoking禁止吸烟”,“Open正在营业”,we need not use sentences“Please do not smoke”an“We are on business”.4.1.3 Simple wordsPublic Signs are set for the public,target readers of this kind of materials are ordinary people,not only the native English speakers,but also other foreigners who know a little English and English is not his mother language,and target readers also include overseas Chinese who is not a English native speaker.If the English version is full of rare words and expression,it will cause a pragmatic failure of communication for public signs.There is always a small restaurant at the airport to provide fast food for the passengers,the English tablet should be“Snacks”instead of“Refection”,the later one is not often be used nowadays and we cannot find it in the dictionaries published in recent years.Take all another example,“景区环境卫生,需要您的维护”,should we translate it into“Environmental Sanitation of the Scenic Spot Needs Your Conserve”? The words“sanitation”and“environmental”are not familial words for the public,we had better use“Keep Clear”or“No Littering”.From the above,in order to make target readers catch the meaning at first glance,we should use the concise,clear, simple words and expressions in C-E translation of public signs.4.2 Strategies of C-E translation of Public Signs4.2.1 ModificationGenerally speaking, it is always the case that the reader in the culture of the target language may not share the cultural background of the source language.Therefore,when dealing with culture-loaded words and idioms,the translator sometimes has to make cultural modification so as to generate the same feedback from the target text reader with that of the source text reader, and as for the translation of public signs, it is no exception.For examples:西湖的虎跑泉—Tiger Running Spring, in this public sign,the translator obviously take the actual meaning of the sign for granted by translating the word“虎跑”as“tiger running”which means that a tiger runs for the spring.4.2.2 AdditionSome public signs,especially signs at scenic spots,tend to include dynasties,legends or other cultural elements,while most foreign visitors lack the background knowledge of China.If the public signs are translated literally, the English versions may confuse the target readers.Thus we should adopt the translation strategy of addition to supply necessary information on the basis of accurate comprehension of the original public signs.For example:谢绝游客入内Closed To Visitors禁止在墙上涂写No Scribbling On The Wall4.2.3 OmissionDue to different aesthetic standards and cultures,Chinese writing tends to include flowery words,four-word phrases or some culture elements which are special to the Chinese culture.However, English writing pursues clear and simple expressions.In How to Help Foreigners Know China,Duan Liancheng holds a view that with the development of tourism in recent years,large numbers of brochures pamphlets and pictorials have been published for foreign tourists.A common weakness of these materials is full of flowery words and cultural elements of China which may confuse the target readers (Duan 286). So the translator should omit some adjectives or cultural elements which may pose barriers to the target readers.Then the English version will be easily understood by them.For example:1.Source Text:慢速行驶Version A:You must drive slowly.Version B:Drive slowly2.Source Text:前方学校Version A:There is a school ahead.Version B:School Ahead4.2.4 Mutual transformation of affirmative and negative expressionsMutual transformation of affirmative and negative expressions is a common strategy in translating the text of one language to the other.It is especially useful for transcending the translational difficulties due to different ways or habits of expressing ideas in Chinese and English.In translating public signs,mutual transformation of affirmative and negativeexpressions is necessary as well.In western countries especially in English—speaking countries,people tend to avoid using negative expressions in public literatures as much as possible in case that unpleasant emotion or feeling would be aroused on the part of the receptor.However, because of the difference in cultural values,negative expressions are more frequently used in Chinese public signs.Therefore,according to the theory of cultural translation, we should adopt the translational method of“Domestication”.For example: “社会车辆禁止入内”,it is a kind of negative expression in Chinese language. While it should be translated into “Staff Only” in English, it is affirmative.4.3 Requirement for the translatorsThe C-E translation of public signs is by no means an easy job and it requires that a translator be serious and accountable in attitude, and proficient in both the source and the target languages at the same time.A good translator should always bear in mind the features and characteristics of public signs.Only if the translators acquire the expertise in the source and target languages as well as the source and target cultures can they produce qualified versions. In addition, as for the making process of signs, the local governments should choose reliable and efficient sign-making units by means of bidding to undertake the job.And the translation should be tested in the foreigners to ensure the acceptability.Then a supervision organization in charge of public signs should be established to make sure that some common English versions are accurate and unified.CHAPTER V ConclusionBased on the previous discussions and analyses, the major findings of this study can be summarized as follow:Firstly, the linguistic translation problems account for the reasons for spelling, grammatical and wrong dictions problems. Translators should improve their language acquisition in dealing with the problems.Secondly, as to cultural problems, the translators are advised to adopt communicative translation. To be more specific, the translation strategies are adaptation, restructuring, semi-literal translation, etc.Thirdly, the C-E translation involves the principles and the methods. The principles include three points of clearness, conciseness and simple words. The translation takes place in a given situation or in another sense, the methods of C-E translation of public signs should be divided into four: modification, addition, omission and mutual transformation of affirmative and negative expressions.Actually, the problems of the translation of public signs are far more complicated than the thesis.The problems that have been discussed and proposed with strategies to are just a tiny tip of the whole iceberg.With the development of the society, it is sure that more and more public signs will come out by taking various forms,and new problems in translating them will turn up.Therefore,the classification of public signs and mistranslation, as well as the strategies for the betterment of the current status of sign translation, although the author attempts to let them be, are not all-inclusive and universally accurate. It is a long and hard way for us to go.AcknowledgementsI would like to express my heartfelt thanks to those who offered me their sincere support and encouragement in the process of my thesis writing.First of all, I’d like to give my sincere thanks to my teacher, Kangbing. She has given me valuable instructions on my study. Whenever I need her help, she always enthusiastically offers me. During the process of the completion of the thesis, from the researches chosen to be analyzed to the final composition, her patient and helpful instructions have benefited me a great deal. Her strict requirements have enabled me to learn how to do research work, and her kind encouragement have been supporting me to the end.Second, my true thanks also go to all the teachers who guide me in the field of business English.Finally, my family and friends give me great encouragement and support during the composition of the thesis. I’d like to send them my heartfelt thanks too.Work CitedBaker, Mona. Encyclopedia of Translation Studies[M]. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, 2004:104.Nida, Eugene A.&C. R. Taber. The Theory and Practice of Translation[M]. Leiden:E.J. Brill, 1969:89-97.Nord, Christiane. Translating as a Purposeful Activity[M]. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, 2001:77.Pinkham John.The Translator’s Guide to Chinglish[M].Beijing:Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, 2000:99.Snell-Hornby, Marry. Translation Studies: an Integrated Approach[M]. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, 2001:267-271.Wilss,Wolfman.The Science of Translation-Problems and Methods[M].Shanghai:Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, 2001:125.包惠南.文化语境与语言翻译[M]. 北京:中国对外翻译出版公司, 2002:78-86. 陈定安.英汉比较与翻译[M]. 北京:中国对外翻译出版公司, 1988:271-275. 陈淑莹.标示语英译的语用失误探析[J]. 四川外语学院学报, 2006 ,1:117-120.戴宗显, 吕和发. 公示语汉英翻译研究---以2012年奥运会主办城市伦敦为例[J]. 中国翻译, 2005,6:38-42.何自然.语用学概论[M].长沙:湖南教育出版社,1988:157.赖少华.浅谈公示语的翻译现状及对策----以广州地铁站公示语翻译为例[J].湖北广播电视大学学报, 2009,6:112-112.吕和发, 单丽平.汉英公示语词典[M]. 北京: 商务印书馆, 2004:38..倪传斌,刘治.标记语的英译原则及实例分析[J].上海科技翻译, 1998,2:18-20.单爱民.谈英语公示用语的语言特点与汉英翻译[J]. 北京第二外国语学院学报, 2002,5:76-79.王晓娟. 从功能理论看公示语翻译---以南京城市公示语为例[J]. 湖北经济学院学报:人文社会科学版, 2008,4:119-120.。
从目的论角度看公示语的汉英翻译

从目的论角度看公示语的汉英翻译作者:赵越来源:《新课程学习·下》2015年第03期摘要:随着我国改革开放的不断深入,国际化进程的不断加快,我国各个城市内部的公示语汉英翻译越来越受到人们的关注,公示语的汉英翻译水平在一定程度上已经给整个城市的魅力值造成一定的影响。
从目的论的具体含义论述入手,分析了在目的论指导下的公示语汉英翻译,供相关人士参考,以更好地提升我国城市内部的公示语汉英翻译水平。
关键词:目的论;公示语;汉英翻译;角度分析公示语是指面向公众的提示、显示及指示,其内部含有与人们日常生活、生产等活动息息相关的内容。
同时,随着国内市场经济的不断发展,国内外国人士的不断增多,公示语在人们日常生活中扮演的角色将会越来越重要,其应用的范围也越来越广,所包含的内容也越来越丰富,在一定程度上已经成为人们日常生活及生产活动中必要的组成部分之一。
此外,随着公示语在大中型城市的广泛应用,城市内部的公示语在某种情况下已经组成了我国留于外国人士的第一印象。
因此,从目的论的角度看公示语的汉英翻译分析研究有着较大的理论和公示语汉英翻译实际意义。
一、目的论具体含义目的论在整个功能派翻译理论当中占据非常重要的地位,是整个功能派翻译理论的基础性理论。
其最早是由德国著名的翻译学家雷斯与付米尔于20世纪80年代提出,其在很大程度上摆脱了传统的等效翻译理论的对已英汉翻译的约束,以整个语言翻译的目的入手,将整个翻译工作放置于文化与理论相结合的环境当中,为整个世界内容各种语言之间全面地实现高效及准确的翻译起到了开辟性的作用。
在采用目的论进行翻译时,其将整个语言翻译的过程认知为一种跨文化交际的行为,整个翻译工作的目的就是为准确地实现跨文化的交际工作,这在很大程度上解决了长期的存在与翻译界意译与直译之间的矛盾。
在目的论翻译指导思想的指导下进行相关的翻译工作时应该严格握好语言翻译的语内连贯和语际连贯的原则,其强调在翻译过程中应从对方的语言习惯入手,不需要全面地按照忠实法则进行翻译。
公示语的汉英翻译

中国科技翻译 B S I T . K .K B I . T B .U; . B S T F G F V W; J L T K G L ; F J KX F Y J T L G
D 4 ( 5 ! R 5 T 4 5 ! E 2 ’ 5 # " " $
公示语的汉英翻译
动名词的使用 Q : G 动词、 限制性、 强制性、 表示 “动态” 意义的公示语 大量使用动词、 动名词, 将公众的注意力集中在 要求公众采取的行动上。如 S $ $ " / $ . ) $保持 67 安静、 7 / = D 减速行驶、 < =E & ? * " . < = >严禁停车、 严禁随地吐痰、 严禁狗 7 " , , " . < =F = = = " . 6 > >E 6 > 便等。 短语的使用 Q : Q 词组、 动词短语、 名词短语大量应用于公示语, 其 结构简短, 易于识别, 如现在营业、 $ .< = D 6 J 3 $ ) *H .入住登记、 F ? " # $ T " .J " . $ 2 &汽车影院、 值班经理、 F I , & . & $ ? ! & 2 $O $ B $ ? # $野生动 ’A > 物保护区、 A $ , $ ?E & ? * " . >记时收费停车场等。 缩略语的应用 Q : ; 公众和旅游者最常接触和使用的公共设施 和服务的公示语会使用缩略语显示, 一目了然, 如H 国内直播、 国际直播、 旅游咨询、 F F F F F " E停车场、 P R @ 餐饮服务、 N 4 C 青年旅舍、 B U 广场、 中 心、 贵 宾 候 机 室、 ) . , ? V H E7 I " , $ L < ( F $ & ? , 2 $ . ,耳鼻喉科等。 6 严格禁用生僻词汇 Q : W 英语公示语的词汇选择非常重视公众化, 严格避免使用生僻词语、 古语、 俚语、 术语, 如: (厕所) < =8 " , , $ ? " . ) ) I " $ 5 >请勿乱扔废弃物、 6 有人、 绕 行、 小 心 易 碎、 F $ , = I ? P ? & " / $ E ? " # & , $ > (航班) 延误等。 E & ? * " . F $ / & $ 5 >专用车位、 ’ Q : 0 现在时态的应用 公示语给予所处特定区域范围的公众以现 实行为的指示、 提示、 限制、 强制, 为此, 时态应 用仅限于现在时, 如: S $ $ ? ! " # $ 6F ’ 保持干燥、 公 交 优 先、 ’ % & =@ I B $ B F = . ,F ? " # $% 3 $ . ’( ( " ? $ 5 严 禁 疲 劳 驾 驶、 E ? = , $ ) ,C & " . B ,4 $ & ,怕 > 热、 P & B , $ .N = I ?7 $ & ,@ $ / ,系好安全带等。 Q : X 祈使句的使用 由于外出或旅游的公众多是行色匆匆, 公 示语针对的目标公众又是明确的, 所以公示语 便避免了程式化的客套, 大量应用祈使句, 如: F =< = ,F " B , I ? Y 请勿打扰、 S $ $ K K( 3 $! ? & B B 6勿踏草坪、 小心轻放、 4 & . 5 / $% " , 3J & ? $ @ $ D & ? $ E $ 5 $ B , ? " & . B注意行人等。 Q : Z 规范性和标准性语汇 由于公示语在公众和旅游者生活中的重要 性, 任何歧意、 误解都会导致不良后果。与日常 生活相关的英语公示语都是多年实际使用形成 的规范和标准表达语汇, 如: ( D =% & ’ 双向行
公示语翻译

《公示语的语言特点及其汉英翻译策略》
小结
公示语的翻译是一个国家对外交流水平 和人文环境建设的具体体现 , 其水平的优劣 直接体现了一个城市, 一个国家的文化素养, 我们的公示语翻译还存在不少问题 , 亟待提 高。这里主要是简单的介绍了三种翻译方法, 但在具体的实践中除了要考虑到中西方语言 的差别还应该注意到中西方文化的差别,综 合考虑,进而选择最适合的方法来进行翻译 才能达到最佳效果。这也就要求译者不仅要 掌握双语还要掌握双文化。
3,套译 套译是指借用译入语中为人所熟知的惯用结构对原文 进行翻译,套译的对象可以是谚语、诗句、歌到 广大公众的理解,接受以及认可,尽量使原文和译入语在 公众中产生同样的效果。 例如:(1)爱心传递你我,文明就在身边。 Where there is a love, there is a virtue. (2)让世界倾听我们的声音 Let our voice be heard in the world. (套用了2004 年的奥运会主题曲Pass The Flame 中的歌词 “Let our voice be heard”)
2,意译 意译是一种替代的翻译方法,一般用于传达原文意义 及精髓,而不照搬其句式或修辞。当译者实在不能直译原 文意义时,此法使用最频繁。 例如:(1)你的安全,我们的天责 Your safety is our priority. (2)送客止步 Passengers only. (3)非公莫入 Authorized personnel only. (4)高高兴兴上班去,平平安安回家来。 Drive carefully. Safety first in driving. 《中英公益广告的文化差异及翻译研究》
参考文献
1. 陈燕红. 文化视角中汉英公益广告的翻译策略[J]. 湖北函授 大学学报,2012(6):147—148. 2. 郭遂红. 中英公益广告的文化差异即翻译研究[J]. 湖北理工 学院学报(人文社会科学版),2012(10):79—80. 3. 施建华. 公示语的语言特点及其汉英翻译策略[J]. 台州学院 学报,2008(2):52—55.
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学号:****************** 成绩:
西安翻译学院 高职高专毕业论文 题目:公示语的汉英翻译及其翻译策略 * 者: * *
指导教师 王 建 娜 专业班级 08级商务英语4班 院 系 外国语学院 完成日期 2011年3月 1
公示语汉英翻译及其翻译策略 武荣 外国语学院08级商务英语04班 (西安翻译学院,陕西 西安 710105) A Discussion on Public Signs Translation from Chinese to English and Its Strategies Wu Rong Business English Class 04, Grade 08, Foreign Language College (Xi’an Fanyi University,Xi’an 710105)
摘要:随着中国与世界交流的日益频繁,越来越多的国际友人来到中国,双语公示语的重要作用开始日渐显现出来,进而公示语汉译英的翻译也尤为重要。英语公示语亦如雨后春笋般之趋势遍布于全国各车站、公园、景区等公共场合。但英语公示语翻译却不尽如意,错译、乱译、死译等现象比比皆是,有时甚至出现拼写错误的现象。本文总结了公示语汉译英翻译的特点,并对目前存在的翻译问题进行了归纳和分析,提出了公示语汉英翻译策略。 关键词:公示语; 文化差异; 翻译策略
Abstract: With the growing frequent communication between China and foreign countries, more and more foreigners come to China. The importance of bilingual public signs becomes much more obvious so that the translation from Chinese to English is especially important. The English public signs, like the trend of bamboo shoots after a spring rain, spread all over the public places such as vehicle stations, parks, scenic spots, but the translation of English public signs is not satisfying and there are many terrible phenomena such as false 2
translation, careless translation , rigid translation and even spelling mistakes. This paper concludes the characteristics of the public signs translation from Chinese to English, analyses the problems of current translation and puts forward to the public signs translating strategies. Key words: Public signs; Culture differences; Translating strategies
引言 公示语是人们日常生活中一种常见的实用语言,也是一种较为独特的应用文体,是社会用语的重要组成部分。它向人们传达提示,提醒,警告,请求等这样一些信息,反映了人们的整体文化素质,道德修养和精神面貌,是社会文明程度的标志。公示语翻译既体现了人文素质和文化教育水平,亦承载了一个国家的文化内涵。但如今在公共场所各种不规范现象及错误的公示语汉英翻译随处可见。本文通过分析归纳公示语汉英翻译及存在的问题,提出了公示语汉英翻译策略。 一、 公示语汉英翻译的语言特点和语言风格 1.1公示语的四大功能 分析公示语的应用范围及其功能,我们可以将之归纳出指示性、提示性、限制性和强制性四大功能。指示性公示语较多地运用在公共场所,它向公众提供一种信息服务,告诉公众这是什么,如“派出所Police Station”,“Car Rental 租车服务”,“沪杭高速Shanghai—Hangzhou Expressway”等等;提示性公示语向公众提醒一个事实或现象,它既没有限制的意义,也没有强制的意图,如“油漆未干Wet Paint”,“此处有炸药,注意安全Danger:Explosive”,“老、弱、病、残孕专 3
座Courtesy seats”,“限高5米Restricted Height 5 M”等等;限制性的公示语以相对委婉但明确、直接的口气向公众提出要求,含有限制、约束对方的意思,如“办公场地,非请莫入Employees Only”,“宾客止步Closed to Visitors”,“施工现场,禁止通行Construction site,keep out”等等;强制性公示语是公示语里口气最为强硬的一种,它要求公众“必须”采取这样那样的行动,如“禁止超车No Over—taking”,“靠左行驶Keep Left”,“仅限紧急情况下使用Emergency Use Only”,“严禁吸烟Smoking is strictly prohibited”等等。分析研究其功能有助于我们在翻译时根据其功能和作用采取不同的翻译策略,在用词、语气等方面有所不同,达到公示语翻译功能对等的目的。 1.2公示语信息的静态和动态意义 公示语体现的功能不同,所展示的信息状态也就不同,公示语信息既有静态也有动态。公示语所体现的信息状态是汉英翻译中词性选择和使用的决定性因素。 突出服务、指示功能的公示语广泛应用于旅游设施,旅游景点、旅游服务、商业设施、体育设施、文化设施、卫生设施、宗教会所、科教机构、涉外机构、街区名称、旅游信息咨询等方面, 这类公示语大量运用名词,直接、准确无误地显示特定信息,如: International Departure 国际出发、Internet Cafe 网吧、Drinking Water 饮用水、Press Main Center 主新闻中心、Shopping Mall 购物商城等。这类公示语往往展示的是具有静态意义的信息。 突出提示、限制、强制功能的公示语广泛应用于公共交通、公共设施、紧急救援等方面,更多地使用展现动态意义的语汇表达,一般大量使用动词、动名词,将公众的注意力集中在要求公众采取的行动上, 如: 4
Turn Right 向右转弯、Arrived (航班) 抵达、No Photographing 严禁拍照、No Tipping 谢绝小费、Walk (人行道) 通行、Hold The Hand Rail 紧握扶手、Fasten Seat Belt While Seated 坐妥后请系好安全带等。研究公示语的动态和静态可以使我们更好地分析和把握公示语,从而更有效翻译公示语,向公众传达确切、明了的信息。 1.3各类词句的广泛应用 词组、短语的使用:动词短语、名词短语大量应用于公示语,其结构简短,易于识别,如Open Now 现在营业、Check In 入住登记、Drive-in Cinema 汽车影院、Duty Manager 值班经理、Meter Parking 记时收费停车场等。 缩略语的应用:公众和旅游者最常接触和使用的公共设施和服务的公示语会使用缩略语显示, 目了然, 如IDD 国内直播、DDD 国际直播、P 停车场、F &B 餐饮服务、sq广场、 VIP Suite 贵宾候机室、ENT Department 耳鼻喉科等。 祈使句的使用:由于外出或旅游的公众多是行色匆匆,公示语针对的目的公众又是明确的,所以公示语便避免了程式化的客套,大量应用祈使句,如Do Not Disturb 请勿打扰、Handle With Care 小心轻放等。 1.4文字简洁明了,言简意赅 公示语广泛地运用于公共设施、公共交通、旅游景点、涉外办事机构的场所。特殊的场合、特殊的情景、特殊的受众在有限的时间里要了解、明白一个信息,客观上要求公示语简单明了。我们看到商家在门前挂上“营业/Open”招牌,顾客只需稍瞄一眼就知道,该商店开门了,“我”可以进去购物了,但我们从来没看到过:“我们现在开门营业了/Now we are open”这样的招牌。还有“国际出发International Departure”,“游客止步Closed to Visitors”,“客房中心Housekeeping Center”等等。 5
二、公示语汉译英中常见的问题 2.1混淆了“功能对等”和“忠实”原则 按照忠实的翻译标准,有些公示语翻译本身并没有什么不当。但公示语作为一种有特定服务对象和明确目的的表达,只有按照它要实现的交际功能来衡量才能评估它是否适当。一切妨碍公示语四个功能实现的翻译,都是翻译错误。所以,公示语翻译一定不能拘泥于原文,不是为了忠实于原文,而是要顺从英语公示语接受者的文化习惯与接受能力,做到简洁、易懂、“功能对等,转换对应”,以达到交际的目的。好的公示语翻译应该达到“等效翻译”,即译文功能和原文功能完全相同。[1] 公示语翻译是一种工具性翻译(instrumental translation),是在目的语文化的交流中充当一种独立的信息传递工具,译文可以根据自身的目的对原文作调整。按照忠实的翻译标准,“小草微微笑,请你走便道”,就应该翻译为Little grass is smiling slightly,please walk on the pavement。而依照此处公示语的提示性功能,可以简单地译为“Keep off the grass”,使其与目标语言中的公示语起到相同的功能,把那些妨碍该功能的信息删除,就没有必要诗兴大发,文雅一番。又如“老弱病残专座”,依照汉语原文应该翻译为Priority seating:please offer seat forward of this sign to the elderly and handicapped.而作为提示性公示语,handicapped就十分简明,一目了然,起到了目标语言的公示语提示功能,而不着翻译痕迹。 2.2文化难以兼容 例:银狐美容美发中心。 原译:Silver Fox Beauty and Hair Design Center. 改译:Yinhu Beauty and Hair Design Center. 在西方,Fox隐含有狡猾、奸诈等贬义,不像在汉语里,虽然也隐含有贬义,但是