英汉公示语中的礼貌特征差异及公示语汉英翻译-精选资料

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 andIts StrategiesWu RongBusiness 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 becomesmuch 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 allover the public places such as vehicle stations, parks, scenic spots, but the translation ofEnglish public signs is not satisfying and there are many terrible phenomena such as falsetranslation, 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。

英汉礼貌用语的语用差异对比分析本页仅作为文档封面，使用时可以删除This document is for reference only-rar21year.March英汉礼貌用语的语用差异对比分析【摘要】不同民族的礼节方式不同，因此使用的礼貌用语也不同，这是文化背景、政治经济、风土人情差异的结果。

英语和汉语中的礼貌用语也不相同，这种语用上的差异会给翻译和理解过程造成一定的难度。

为此，本文结合所学经验，对英汉礼貌用语的差异进行了深入分析，并结合文化因素分析了造成语用差异的原因，希望能够为学习者提供一些参考。

【关键词】英语汉语礼貌用语语用差异语言是文化的载体，能够表现出一个国家和地区的文化环境和风土人情。

中国一直以来都是礼仪之邦，关于礼貌的相关词语较多。

在英汉翻译或者交流中，很多学习者会将中文用词和礼貌习惯带到与西方人交往的过程中，这种情况很容易会引起文化冲突或者交际障碍。

语用差异是非常常见的，这需要学习者掌握重点，巧妙地转化礼貌用语，营造出更加轻松、自在的交流氛围，避免引发误解或者矛盾。

一、英汉礼貌用语的语用差异对比1.致歉、致谢。

西方人所说的“Thank you”和中文中的“谢谢”并不是完全相同的，通常情况下，中国人对自己的亲戚、朋友很少会说“谢谢”，他们认为这是一种“见外”的行为，因此一般会以更加委婉的方式来表达自己的感谢之情。

而西方人通常把“Thank you”挂在嘴边，不管是服务生还是家庭成员，都会这么说。

在与西方人的交往中，别人致谢说“Thank you very much.”时，中国人会下意识的回答“Never mind”，这样的回答会显得比较不合时宜。

另外，在对待上下级关系上，西方人不管是对上司还是同事的帮助，都会表示感谢，但是在中国人这里，为上级或者长辈办事是应该的，是不需要感谢的。

2.交际用语。

在中国，人们打招呼一般用“去哪儿”或者“吃了么”，这种话很显然是一种客套话，它的重点在于打招呼，而不是真的询问你要去哪里或者吃了什么饭。

公示语翻译体现的两大英汉语言差异摘要：随着我国国际化进程的加快，公共场合使用英文公示语越来越多，所以恰当得体的公示语翻译极其重要。

本文旨在分析在这类翻译中体现出来的英汉语言的表达方式及语用两方面差异，了解其中差异，才能恰当翻译公示语。

关键词：公示语；差异；表达方式；语用公示语，是一种给特定人群阅读、以达到某种特定交际目的的特殊文体。

它应用于人们日常生活的方方面面，比如经常能看到的路牌、路标、广告牌、商店招牌、警示语、宣传语等等。

随着我国经济的快速发展，国际化进程的日益加快，越来越多的外国友人包括游客、商人等走进中国，这时候，国内各个公共场所中具有标识性、指导性及警示性的英文公示语就显得尤为重要，特别值得一提的是，英译汉语的公示语宜遵循三个原则：统一，就是直接借鉴（借译）英语国家现成的惯用公示语，统一到国际惯例。

如；“打八折”就宜译为20% off，而不能译为80% discount；“爱护环境，从我做起，垃圾带走，不要残留”，直接采用现成的英语公示语Don’t litter 或No litter，即可达到功能对等，没必要直译。

简洁，按照英国翻译理论家纽马克的解释，简洁就是要求译文简单、明了、扼要、表达自然。

既要用词简洁，还要措辞精确，仅使用实词。

关键词、核心词汇，而一些虚词如冠词、代词、助动词等均可省略。

易懂，实质英译文的可读性，易被英语人士理解，尽量避免中式英语。

（刘法公、徐蓓佳，2008）这三个原则如果没有加以重视、遵循，那么就会使在公示语面前的外国人迷惑不解，弄不清楚意思。

这时英汉语言的差异就立刻显现出来了。

1.表达方式的差异中西方语言结构差异造成表达方式的差异。

汉语公示语多使用四字结构，形式对称而工整；而英语公示语则简单明了，尽量使用名次或名词性表达，避免选用动词或者句子。

如：市内公共汽车专用（City Buses Only），只需要三个单词就表明了意义；再如切勿回返（No reentry），庭院摊市（Yard sale），过街天桥（Overpass）等。

基于公示语的功能特点与汉英翻译分析发表时间：2018-05-25T16:18:38.013Z 来源：《知识-力量》4月上作者：周江阳[导读] 随着经济的不断发展，人们的生活水平也在不断的提高，人们对生活质量的追求也与日俱增。

其中，旅游消费支出占整个国民消费支出的比率也越来越高，（中国空空导弹研究院，河南省洛阳市 471000）摘要：随着经济的不断发展，人们的生活水平也在不断的提高，人们对生活质量的追求也与日俱增。

其中，旅游消费支出占整个国民消费支出的比率也越来越高，作为一个经典旅游胜地，其公示语的标志作用是巨大的。

如果想建立一个国际化都市，其语言的翻译，对很多远道而来的游客起到的帮助作用不可小视。

例如我国的城市之一，北京，在举办2008年奥运会期间，由于奥运会的参赛选手来源于各个国家，所以，公示语的翻译一定要恰当，在2008年奥运会期间，我国作为东道主，对公示语的翻译非常恰当，给来自各个国家的参赛选手，提供了很大的帮助。

关键词：公示语；功能特点；汉英分析整个世界均处于一种快速发展的阶段，所有国家都在谋求本国的国际化发展。

近年来，我国与其他国家的交流日益增多，不论是一个国家还是一个城市，如果想跻身国际化发展行列，其公示语的翻译问题绝对不能忽视，因为这是一个国家的语言环境和文化环境的重要组成部分。

一、公示语的应用意义由于公示语面向的是全体公众，所以公示语具有透明化的特点。

因此公示语在规范社会群众的行为上具有重大意义。

当然，公示语的具体作用与其具体的公示内容和公示环境也是有关系的，例如，“禁止吸烟”“禁止停车”等公示语起到的便是警示作用，“前方学校减速慢行”等起到的便是提示作用，但不论是哪种类型的公示语，其具有的共同作用便是给人们提供告知与便利，而翻译恰当的公示语，也会给在此旅游，或者经商的外国友人提供一个便利的语言环境，让其感受到来自衣、食、住、行等方方面面的照料，同样，其他国家或者城市翻译合理的公示语，也会给我国的驻外华人提供帮助，由此可见，公示语起到的作用，是为了帮助我们快速熟悉一个陌生的领域，而公示语的汉英分析，无非也就是基于公示语所需要的特殊环境，来进行汉语与英语之间的转换，来满足特定群众的语言环境需求。

汉语公示语英译中的“面子”原则摘要:每个正常的社会人都需要面子,但在汉、英文化系统中,人们追求和关注不同的面子并通过不同的礼貌策略维护面子,此文化差异也表现在汉、英公示语中。

在汉语公示语英译过程中,如果忽视英语读者的心理期待和面子需求,译文将出现“面子缺失”和“面子错位”等语用失误。

为有效解决公示语英译中存在的“面子缺失”和“面子错位”问题,就需要在汉英转换过程中采取措施,进行必要的“面子补偿”和“面子转换”。

关键词:公示语;面子;面子缺失;面子错位;礼貌策略近几年来,公示语英译成为政府有关部门、公众和翻译界普遍关注的焦点,例如,北京市曾发动市民对市内的公示语进行大规模的纠错活动。

与此同时,翻译界权威期刊《中国翻译》开辟了“公示语研究”专栏,公示语研究中心也在北京成立,不断有学者撰文在各种学术期刊上讨论公示语英译的各类问题,涉及拼写错误、语用失误、文化失当等。

笔者以为,公众的心理需求也应纳入公示语翻译研究的视野。

本文试图从公示语与公众“面子” 的关系入手展开讨论。

一、汉、英公示语中的“面子”差异依据Brown and Levinson的面子理论,面子是指社会成员意欲为自己挣得的在公众中的“个人形象”,“要面子”——即在公众中建立起自我形象——是每一个典型人的基本理性需求。

面子分为积极面子和消极面子,前者指希望得到别人的赞同和喜爱,表达了个人的社会性需求;后者指不希望别人强加于自己,表达了个体对自由、自主权的需求。

Brown and Levinson认为,言语行为本质上是威胁面子的,为了维持社会成员间的和谐关系,需要采取礼貌策略去避免面子威胁行为或减轻言语行为对面子的威胁程度,最大程度地维护他人的面子。

中西文化传统差异导致人们对面子的追求不尽相同。

英语文化传统一直强调民主、平等、自由,更尊重个人权利。

因而,西方人更关注维护自己和他人的“消极面子”,表现在言语行为上就是尽量避免强加于人,即使是在向他人提供帮助或忠告时,也倾向于使用间接的表达方式和委婉的语气,给他人选择的空间和自由,换句话说,就是处处给别人和自己“留面子”。

- 239 -校园英语 / 翻译研究浅析公示语的汉英翻译同济大学外国语学院/周树霞【摘要】公示语，顾名思义，也就是在公共场合出现的文化语言。

公示语被广泛用于各行各业，成为日常生活中必不可缺的一部分。

本文介绍公示语的应用功能以及英译方法，旨在传递文化信息，丰富民族文化内涵，提升我国在世界范围内的形象。

【关键词】公示语 翻译 文化一、引言随着经济全球化进程的加速，我国国际化进程的加快，国际文化交流愈发频繁。

公共场合的公示语，翻译得体与否极大影响着地方形象，体现一个城市的整体文化素养，也成为中国走向国家世界的无形名片。

翻译得体的公示语会为来自五湖四海的朋友，提供帮助。

他们亦或是到中国学习、或是旅游、度假都会体会到衣、食、住、行、美食、娱乐等方方面面的悉心照顾，从而更好地促进文化传播。

二、公示语的功能公示语在我们的日常生活中应用广泛，种类繁多，几乎无处不在，如广告牌、路标、停车场、娱乐设施、服务场所等。

那么这些公示语的功能一样吗？进行汉英公示语翻译首先应当了解公示语在实际应用中所具有的指示性、提示性、限制性、强制性四种突出的应用功能。

公示语的功能又可分为显示性、警示性、营销性、激励性和颂扬性五种。

兹下各举其中例子陴便说明：1.显示性功能：显示性公示语提供周到的信息服务，指示或提示服务内容。

例如：租车服务(Car Rental)，油漆未干(Wet Paint)。

2.警示性功能：警示性对相关公众的行为提出限制或强制要求，常用命令、禁止、提醒或劝阻的语气叙述。

例如：站队等候(Stand in Line)，残疾人专用(Handicapped Only)。

3.营销性功能：营销性公示语促进消费，实现企业经济效益。

例如：今日特价(Daily Special)。

4.激励性功能：激励性公示语为了特定的目标和任务，号召或鼓励公众为此付出行动。

例如：只生一个好(One family, one child)。

5.颂扬性功能：颂扬性公示语为实现宣传、教育的目的，而对特定的事件或人物给予祝愿和歌颂。

从目的论看公示语的汉译英摘要：英文公示语的使用是一个城市国际化的重要标志之一，作为一种特殊的文本形式，公示语具有极强的功能性和交际性，现实中的公示语翻译必须立足于这一特点。

本文旨在运用目的论来分析公示语汉译英中的错误例子，提出公示语的翻译必须尊重目的语的文化背景和表达习惯。

关键词：公示语目的论文化1.引言公示语是指在公共场合出现的起提示、指示或者警示等作用的符号或者文字。

它属于社会用语范畴，被广泛运用于各种社会交际场合，包括道路、交通设施、建筑物、旅游景点等等。

随着经济的快速发展，国内许多城市都在迈向国际化，公共场合使用英文公示语的现象日益频繁。

作为一种特殊的语言形式，公示语与我们的生产和生活环境紧密相连，从中可以看出一个城市的精神和文化内涵。

通常情况下，公共标志的语言水平的高低可以反映出一个城市发达与否。

目前，我国各大城市的公示语汉英翻译或多或少存在这样或那样的问题，在北京奥运会和上海世博会期间，相继成立各专业委员会，同时也建立了“全国双语标识路牌纠错协作网”等网站，目的在于指导如何规范公示语翻译，因为公示语翻译质量的参差不齐不仅会给外国人带来不便利，还会给一个城市的国际形象带来负面影响。

本文以弗米尔的“目的论”的指导，采取文本分析的方式，例举并分析公示语汉译英中的错误例子，尝试性提出公示语翻译的策略。

2.目的论作为德国最具影响力的一大译学流派，目的论于20 世纪70 年代末发展起来，代表人物-- 弗米尔在《普通翻译的理论框架》一文中首次提出翻译不能只看重形式，而应该注重文化与交际功能的目的论。

目的论学派认为：翻译不仅仅是一个转码过程，而是“种人类行为”。

人类行为都是具有目的性的，因此，有别于传统翻译理论对原文本的注重，目的论的主要关注点在于目标文本。

目的论有三大法则：2.1目的法则根据“目的决定手段”原则，翻译活动很大程度上受制于目标文本用户的情况和他们所处的文化背景。

进行任何项翻译活动之前，译者都必须立足于客户或者目标文本使用者的感受，也就是说，译者使用的翻译策略不是参照原语环境，而是必须依据目标文本的用户所处的文化背景而定。

论公示语翻译中的常见错误公示语双语翻译是每个城市对外宣传交流的一种重要途径，能够鲜明得表现出一座城市的软文化实力。

英译公示语时，我们需要了解中英语言文化的差异以及避免社交环境下的语用错误，才能展现出公示语应有的功能。

本文分析了公示语翻译的常见语用错误、过度翻译现象，总结了翻译公示语的方法策略，规范正确的公示语翻译对国家间的文化交流、经济发展的作用不容小觑。

标签：公示语;语用错误;过度翻译;翻译策略一、引言公示语是生活中最常见的“语言”，是一种公开面向公众的，以达到某种交际目的的指示性文字。

在我们的生活中，公示语随处可见，被广泛使用在路标、广告牌、公共场所的宣传语、旅游概况等地方。

公示语是国际化城市、旅游目的地语言环境、人文环境的重要组成部分。

因为公示语在公众和旅游参观者的生活中具有重要意义，所以如果对公示语有任何误解、滥用，都可能产生不必要的麻烦。

翻译不当可能影响到一个城市和地区的形象以及对外交流，并可能对外国游客造成许多不利影响。

在公示语翻译的实践中，必须考虑到文化差异、公示语的特点。

二、汉英公示语翻译常见的错误类型公示语常见的翻译错误类型有：过度翻译，语用失误等。

（一）过度翻译过度翻译是指忽视了翻译的基本原则，尊重原文。

公示语过度翻译的字面表现有：（1）词汇过度翻译Over-translated：翻译超出了原先的信息量，就会显得冗余、重复。

比如说：注意安全CAUTION DANGER;正确译法应该是CAUTION，这一词本身就代表了让人对于危险要小心谨慎，不需要再译出一个重复意义的词。

英汉语言的差异性，通常会造成公示语翻译时词汇层面上的累赘重复（Wordy）。

根据The free dictionary 的释义，此处的Wordy可理解为：包含公示语意义的词汇量超过所需词汇量。

少数单词即可达意，但追求词汇形式的对等而不注重文化语境的要求，采用了生硬重复的译法。

词汇过度翻译常常表现为同义词或叠词、行政区域名称以及某些介词的生硬翻译。

中英文常见公示语对比分析举隅第一篇：中英文常见公示语对比分析举隅摘要：公示语在城市国际化的进程中举足轻重。

以丽水市区常见公示语为研究对象，将其与英语国家的平行文本就信息内容和形式表达方面进行一些对比分析，找出差异，以期为地方性公示语的规范化提供一定的参考和借鉴。

关键词：常见公示语；对比；规范；国际化Abstract：The importance of standardizing common public signs can’t be ignored in the process of a city being internalized．，11le paper，taking some of common signs in Lishui city as an object of study，analyzes some differences by contrasting them as Chinese signs with those paralleled signs from an English country in terms of contents and expressing．，11le author intends to provide some references for making local signs standardized and internalized．Key words：common pubhc signs；contrast；standardize；internalize一、引言“公示语即公开和面对公众，告示、指示、提示、显示、警示、标示与其生活、生产、生命、生态、生业休戚相关的文字及图形信息。

”111埒无论是汉语或英文，其功能都是为了规范人们的社会行为、提高生产效率、优化生存质量，涉及交通、安全、旅游、环保等社会功能的公示语使用频率很高，而使用是否恰当，是否发挥了其社会功能，则关系到能否为我们的现代化生活、生产带来便利和效益。

公示语的功能特点和英汉互译研究作者：孙凯元来源：《文学教育》 2018年第11期内容摘要：随着全球化的发展，从汉语到英语的公共标志语的翻译变得越来越重要，我们发现使用双语的公共标志越多，问题就越严重。

在这篇文章中,作者将说明公示语的功能特点和中国公示语的翻译状并且认为译者必须提高他们的语言能力，在使用语言的时候要适当地选择语言，这样就可以准确地翻译公共标志语。

关键词：公示语全球化翻译一.公示语的概念公共标志语可以在购物中心、公园和景点等多地看到。

各种各样的标志的功能是规范人们，引起人们注意。

一些学者把这些符号定义为公示语。

而其他学者更全面地定义则是在公共场所的广告，显示、标识、指示等与我们有关的图形信息。

商标和标语随处可见。

用于交通，旅游等公共场所。

一个中国学者，他定义公示语为在公共场所以指示、宣传、引导为宗旨的表达和图片，或引人注目的东西。

在日常生活中，如餐饮旅行，娱乐，购物场所等。

二.公示语的功能公示语的定义有很多，但是无论如何定义它,它都具备习惯性,互文性以及公德性的本性特征。

1.引导功能公示语对人们具有指引和指导的功能。

而这些引导起到的作用只是提供旅行社，高速公路等服务资料信息，没有任何强迫和限制意义。

2.提示功能提示公示语被广泛使用和给予公众一些信息，作为提示功能。

没有特别的意义。

与指导功能相比较，提示公示语的目的是呼吁。

号召和激励人们的行动。

它多用于简短而委婉的词和多形式的句子来阐述。

这种类型的公示语经常使用这种结构来呼吁，号召人们。

让人们知道应该采取什么样的行为是合法合规的。

比如“地面潮湿，小心滑倒”，“餐具已消毒”通常会在餐馆等地出现。

3.强制功能这种公示语符号有它自己的功能，它强制要求公众采取措施做某事或禁止做某事。

其语言特征是直接，有力，甚至强硬，通常是“no”字。

比如no smoking, no photo,等等。

这种表达式是简短的，并进一步说明如果公众不按照公示语的要求去做对自己和他人都会产生不良后果。

目的论指导下的公示语汉英翻译公示语是一种较为独特的应用文体,其目的在于向公众传达各种必要的、有用的信息,以实现其相应的应用功能。

本文介绍了公示语具有的指示、提示、限制、强制性四种应用功能,分析了公示语的语言特征,从目的论出发,提出了公示语英译的恰当策略。

标签：目的论公示语汉英翻译一、引言公示语,顾名思义,就是“公开和面对公众,告示、指示、显示、警示、标志与其生活、生产、生命、生态、生业休戚相关的文字及图形信息”。

中国和中国文化吸引了来自世界各地的外国友人前来观光旅游,为了方便远方来客,越来越多的公共场所使用了汉英双语的公示语,向人们传达提示、提醒、警告、请求等意图。

但令人遗憾的是,公示语翻译的不规范现象随处可见,严重影响了城市和国家的国际形象和对外交流。

究其原因,一方面是因为长期以来,翻译界对公示语缺乏足够的重视,另一方面是因为以往的研究主要聚焦在公示语纠错方面,少有上升到理论层面进行深入探讨的研究。

而出现于20世纪70年代的目的论为公示语翻译提供了一个全新的视角和理论框架。

本文拟以目的论为理论框架探讨当前公示语翻译的恰当策略,以期营造一个更为纯净的语言环境。

二、目的论简介德国著名的语言学家卡特林娜·莱斯(Katharina Reiss)和汉斯·费米尔(Hans Vermeer)创立了功能派的核心理论—目的论(Skopostheory)。

费米尔根据行为学理论,提出翻译是一种有目的的人类行为活动。

他还强调因为行为发生的环境置于文化背景中,不同文化具有不同的风俗习惯和价值观,翻译并非是一对一的语言转化活动。

根据目的论,所有翻译都应遵循三个法则:目的法则,连贯性法则和忠实性法则。

目的法则是目的论的最高法则,决定翻译过程的最主要因素是整体翻译行为的目的,即“目的决定手段”(The end justifies the means.)。

连贯性法则指的是译文必须能让读者理解并在译语文化及使用译文的交际环境中有意义。

从语用角度浅谈公示语汉英翻译中的问题和策略作者：于然英来源：《青年文学家》2016年第02期摘 ;要：公示语作为文化交际的媒介，是宣传城市文明的窗口，其翻译质量尤为重要。

随着中国的进一步开放和跨越，公示语翻译得到重视和改善，但是情况仍不容乐观。

本文浅谈了公示语翻译中存在的一系列问题，最后以语用功能为介入点，提出从模仿借鉴、语用规范、语气和谐、文化兼容等层面提升公示语翻译，推动社会发展。

关键词：公示语翻译;语用功能;翻译策略作者简介：于然英（1990.3-），女，山东青岛人，山东科技大学2015级硕士研究生，研究方向：英语笔译翻译。

[中图分类号]：H315.9 ;[文献标识码]：A[文章编号]：1002-2139（2016）-02--01公示语是指公共场合展示的特殊文体，具有特殊的交际功能，以及提供信息和完成指令的作用。

其应用范围非常广泛，几乎涉及我们日常生活的各个方面。

作为多功能体，我们必须重视其质量。

一、公示语翻译工作中的问题1.望文生义，语言不简洁公示语英译，不能影响公示语语言言简意赅的特点，只使用实词、关键词、核心词汇，可以省略冠词、代词、助动词等。

但处处可见的chinglish（中式英语），逐字逐句翻译，语言冗长，缺乏意义简明扼要的效果。

例如：“城市是我家，清洁靠大家”被译为The city is our home，so each of us should keep it clean，语言拖沓，较好的翻译是Please keep the city clean and clear。

2.用词不当，语用不规范翻译要求译者认真、严谨，不能随心所欲胡乱翻译;不加思考随便翻译的结果是脱离原文语义，用词不当。

例如：学校里“教师课间休息室”，被译为Teachers’Rest Room，而Rest room 是公共厕所的意思，正确的翻译应是Teachers’lounge。

3.文化误解，语义不协调汉英两种语言的文化差异是广泛存在的，对同一事物的理解往往有差异。

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. 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