公示语汉英翻译及其翻译策略

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。

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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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。

2008年2月 台州学院学报Vol .30,No .1 第30卷　第1期 Journal of Taizhou University Feb .　2008　公示语的语言特点及其汉英翻译策略施建华(浙江传媒学院国际文化传播学院,浙江杭州310018) 摘要:公示语有其自身语言特点,即语言简洁明了,具有指示性、提示性、限制性和强制性,有静态和动态之分。

根据Peter Ne wmark 的翻译理论,分析公示语的特点,其翻译理据为交际翻译法。

将汉语公示语翻译成英语时,采用的策略分为跨文化交际策略、语境分析策略、通俗易懂策略和简洁明了策略。

关键词:公示语;汉英翻译;翻译;理据;策略 中图分类号:H315.9 文献标识码:A 文章编号:1672-3708(2008)01-0052-04 公示语是一种特殊的文体,它已涉及到我们生活的方方面面,渗透到社会的角角落落,如街头的路牌、商店的招牌、广告语、警示语、宣传口号等等。

它在我们的生活中随处可见,“小心地滑Cauti on,W et Fl oor ”,“售票处Ticket Office ”,“中央电视台CCT V ”等。

不同类别的公示语分别可以起到规范人们的社会行为,调整人际关系,提高生产率,威慑罪犯和激情励志的作用。

因此有学者将公示语简述为:“就是给公众在公共场合看的文字语言。

英文有与之相对应的说法,‘public signs ’”;[1](P97)也有学者将之界定为:“它是一种常见于公共场所的特殊文体,或用寥寥文字,或用简明易解的图示,拟或图示与文字兼用,表示对受众的某个要求或引起人们的某种注意。

[2](P43)笔者认为吕和发先生对公示语的概述较全面地指出了其内容、性质和特点,它是:“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、产业休戚相关的文字及图形信息”。

[3](P22)翻译得法的公示语可以使来华的外籍商人、游客在衣、食、住、行等方面感受到“在家”般的方便和舒心。

旅游公示语汉日翻译对策一、引言公示语———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和图形信息。

〔1〕38具体而言，路标、广告、商品说明书、旅游指南、社会宣传、告示等都是公示语。

旅游公示语就是在旅游景点或场所向公众传达信息的语言，旅游公示语的翻译是对外宣传翻译的重要组成部分。

旅游公示语向来被称作城市的脸孔，不仅展示该地的语言环境，更能反映这个城市的人文素养和国际化程度。

随着中国国际交往的日益广泛和深入，越来越多的外国人来到中国旅游，旅游公示语的译写问题，不仅为政府有关部门所重视，也越来越受到民众的关注。

杭州是中国最著名的风景旅游城市之一，有多项旅游景点入选中国世界纪录协会世界纪录，2011年杭州西湖被正式列入《世界遗产名录》，每年吸引了大量的外国游客，其中日韩游客占了近半。

漫步西湖湖畔，就会发现许多同时印有中、英、日、韩四国文字的公示语标牌。

这些标志牌为游客提供了方便，但是这些公示语的翻译是否准确得当，带着这一问题笔者对西湖景区的日语公示语进行了调查分析，发现西湖景区相关管理部门虽然加强了日语标识的规范工作，但景区内的汉日翻译不规范现象仍十分常见。

如得不到及时纠正，必将影响杭州作为国际旅游城市的风貌。

本文通过旅游公示语汉日翻译现状的分析，探究杭州西湖景区公示语汉日翻译不规范的原因，最后借助相关翻译理论对旅游公示语的规范翻译提出几点翻译策略，希望能够引起相关部门的重视，净化景区的语言环境，提高城市文明程度。

二、旅游公示语汉日翻译研究之现状在过去相当一段时间，由于种种原因，就翻译学术研究而言，公示语翻译并未引起足够的重视和关注。

本世纪初这种情况才渐渐好转，2005年9月首届全国公示语翻译研讨会的召开表明公示语翻译研究得到了明显的重视，有关公示语翻译的研究得以顺利进行，相关论文和研究成果不断涌现。

但是，这些成果基本上是以公示语的汉英翻译为主。

笔者以公示语为关键词在中国期刊网上搜索，发现1979年－2004年仅8篇，2004－2011年达到了600余篇。

功能翻译理论在汉英翻译应用一引言公示语是指在公共场所给公众观看、向公众公示须知内容的文字语言。

它属于对外宣传的一个重要部分，其应用广泛，涉及日常生活的方方面面，诸如指示牌、路标、商店招牌等。

作为一种交际工具，它向公众传达请求、警告、提示等目的，在我们的生活中起着重要的作用。

另一方面，由于我国不断发展经济并扩大对外交流,所以，公示语在当今的社会活动中占据越来越重要的地位,其翻译活动也变得不可缺少。

当前国内有关公示语的研究成果为数不多。

本文以功能翻译理论为框架,分析功能翻译理论在公示语翻译中的实际应用，试图从一个新的角度研究公示语的英译。

二公示语的功能总的来说，公示语主要有如下三种功能：(一)提示功能公示语的提示功能是指：通过公示语提供的信息，人们知道应该如何做，或者如何做才能符合规定。

此类公示语不仅措辞委婉、简单扼要，而且形式多样。

但是，该提示没有强制性功能，人们可以根据自己的具体情况来确定是否实施该提示。

例如：贵重物品、现金请交服务台保管，否则后果自负。

(Valuable articles and cash should be handed to General Service Desk for Safekeeping.)(林晓琴，2006：138)该公示语提示顾客务必要保管好自己的物品，如果出现丢失现象，宾馆或酒店则不负责任。

既然已经告知了可能导致的后果，所以是否实施完全由顾客本身决定。

(二)指令功能指令功能是指用公示语提供的信息来指导人们的行为，它具有明显的强制效果。

此类公示语措辞简洁，经常使用表示否定意义的词汇，并采用祈使句。

例如：严禁停车(No parking)，简洁明了地指出不得在此地停车，其中暗含的意义是：如果违反指令，则可能会产生不良后果。

严禁随地吐痰(No spitting)也是用祈使句来传达强制性命令，以便禁止人们随地吐痰。

第3 期(三)参照功能所谓的参照功能是指:公众通过公示语所提供的参考性信息可以明确自己的目的。

旅游景点公示语英译现状分析及对策一、引言新世纪以来，安徽对外开放的步伐不断加快，国际交流日益频繁，来安徽旅游和工作的外国朋友越来越多。

本着更好服务海外游客的理念，为其提供最大的便利，安徽各旅游景区均对公示语都做了双语标注。

但因种种缘故，此类公示语的英译存在诸多问题，给外国友人在皖期间生活带来不便。

针对出现的问题，本文以安徽省六安市景点公示语为例，结合实地考察拍摄的图片，通过对实例的分析，列举存在的问题，并在此基础上提出对公示语英译改进的策略与建议。

二、公示语的概念、应用范畴及特点公示语，即公共标识用语，是公开和面对公众，告示、指示、提示、显示、警示、标示与其生活、生产、生命、生态、产业休戚相关的文字及图形信息（吕和发等，2011），其应用范围十分广泛，如旅游景点、户外牌匾、宣传手册、道路指示等诸多领域。

而其中的旅游景区公示语不同于一般公共场所公示语，因其服务对象为游客而独具特色。

一般来说，景区有四类公示语：即指示语、提示语、警示语以及告示语。

而公示语的英译现状却不容乐观：在译名方面，旅游景区公示语英语译文存在的问题主要有译名不一致、译名不准确和译名不规范等三类问题；在译文方面主要有译文不规范和译文不准确两个方面。

规范性和创造性是旅游景区公示语英译的两大特点，规范性是保持译名和译文的一致性和稳定性，而创造性则是根据地区文化等差异进行因地制宜地翻译，不拘泥于字面而生搬硬套（牛新生，2008）。

三、景点公示语英译现状及其分析六安市作为安徽省旅游资源较为丰富的城市，同时又为东西部交通枢纽，对外合作和交流步伐日益加快，对城市公共服务领域双语公示语的需求日益增长。

而旅游景点公示语翻译的发展对于服务本地区旅游事业的更好发展有着不可替代的作用。

然而，由于种种原因，六安市各景区双语公示语存在诸多问题，未能达到规范性和创造性并举的要求，出现的问题亟待研究与解决。

本研究通过对六安市万佛湖景区、九公寨景区、八公山森林公园、寿县孔庙及博物馆、金寨天堂寨及红军烈士陵园等七处景区调查，从中提取了具有代表性和典型性公示语英译错误和不规范500条实例，并根据Carl James提出的错误分类框架（James，1998），依据错误原因、类型、出现频率等，结合实际把错误分成四大类，其统计结果如表一：根据表一，七大景区公示语英译出现的问题，按照频率依次分别是：词汇错误（26.8%）、语法错误（20.8%）、语用错误（13%）、信息不完整或赘述（11.8%）、译文不规范不统一（11%）、错误拼写（10.6%）等。

公示语汉译英翻译常见错误近年来，随着中国与国际间交往的日益密切，在政治、经济、文化、旅游等方面加快与其他国家的融合与共同发展，中国在打开国门加快经济建设的同时，也注重文化的建设；现代化的生活节奏与国际化的文化环境，既满足了国际旅游者，外交人员，商务人员等在中国经历和体验不同“文化”的需要，又提升国家或城市的自身形论文联盟象。

因此，对于到访的国际友人来说，要想让他们在中国有宾至如归的感觉，公共场所的英文公示语就显得非常重要，它明确地告诉信息接受者相关信息和友善提示。

所以，英文公示语对城市乃至国家的形象与对外宣传的影响显而易见。

毋庸臵疑，在公共场所使用规范化的伴有英文的公示语对中国加快国际化进程将起到巨大的推动作用。

因此，正确的做好公示语英汉互译为外国友人提供便利的同时，展示良好的中国形象，已经成为伴随国际交流日益融洽过程中一件刻不容缓的事情。

如何使用恰当的词语及形式将公示语有关信息准确地传达给公众，是公示语汉英互译的关键所在。

公示语通常出现在醒目的位臵,具有窗口的作用,其应用范围非常广泛,几乎涉及到我们日常生活的各个方面,如街头的路牌、广告牌、路标、商店招牌、警示语、宣传语、旅游简介等等。

作为一种交际工具,它用图标或文字与图标相结合等方式把必要的、有用的信息传达给大众,是人们生活中不可或缺的帮手。

作为一种特定功能的文本形式，公示语应用历史久远，对其翻译研究意义深远。

在世界各民族的社会、文化、经济发展进程中，准确的公示语翻译对外籍人员来说，具有良好交际效果，可有效地对其规范社会行为，提高生产效率以及优化生存质量等方面。

由于公示语在传递信息中的语言特色和特殊功能，我们应该认清公示语翻译过程中可能出现的问题及背后的原因。

将极大地有助于翻译人员采取正确的翻译方法和翻译策略来解决问题。

要想解决以上问题，我们首先要了解公示语翻译研究趋势。

公示语的翻译研究在国外有比较长的发展历史,现在已经较为成熟和规范；而在中国,针对公示语方面的汉英翻译研究起步较晚,翻译界对此展开的研究还很不够,缺乏体系性和规范性。

公示语的英译策略随着我国对外开放的日渐深入，公示语作为外宣的重要组成部分受到更高的重视。

城市公示语的翻译是城市面貌的重要体现，要重视公示语翻译的标准性和规范性。

为此，通过城市公示语错译分析，探讨目前公示语翻译存在的问题，同时提出公示语翻译的英译策略。

标签：公示语；翻译错误；翻译策略公示语翻译是国家对外宣传中不可忽视的重要组成部分，是一个国家对外交流水平和人文环境建设的具体体现，也是城市的国际化发展水平的重要标志。

翻译工作的成效很大程度上反映在外宣翻译的效果上。

外国游客对一个城市及景区的了解都是通过英文介绍获得的。

公示语，如同一个城市或景区的写照，会给旅游者留下深刻的印象，应该力求规范和精确，否则会给优美的风景大打折扣。

1公示语的含义2003年诺贝尔经济奖获得者克莱夫·格兰杰教授在2005年接受北京电视台《世纪之约》的采访时表示出对中国公示语的设置和使用的忧虑，他提出对公示语翻译和公共标识使用问题要“高度重视”。

公示语的范畴和用途比较广，它包括所有能为公众、外籍人士及旅游者涉及食、宿、行、游、娱、购行为提供基本公示文字信息的内容；其广泛应用于旅游景点、公共设施、公共交通、机构名称、标语口号、服务设施、街头路牌、商店招牌以及其他公共场所。

公示语因其功能的特殊性，作为外宣的翻译人员要特别予以重视。

因为公示语简单的说是为外国友人在中国的吃穿住用行提供方便，严重的说可以上升到关系到城市的精神面貌和整体形象，进而影响到我国在国际上形象的程度，因此作为外宣翻译应该认真研究英语公示语的功能意义和语言文化内涵，才能使公示语真正发挥其在我国与世界沟通中的信息服务作用。

2当前公示语翻译存在的问题公示语的双语化是大城市国际化进程的必然结果。

公示语翻译是一项门面工作，任何的错误或缺陷都会被放大。

在日常的工作和生活中，我们发现公示语的翻译存在很多问题，下面就举例说明：2.1一地多译如北京的关于“北京孔庙”的翻译，地铁站的英文标识为：THE CONFUCIUS TEMPLE IN BEIJING，而原首都博物馆的英文标识为：BEIJING CONFUCIUS TEMPLE，地铁站和北京孔庙不过百米，这样一处两译的处理方式就会给国外游客造成不必要的困惑和不便，因此对同一地名采用相同的译法是非常必要的。