国外中文公示语翻译存在的问题与改进措施

合集下载

公示语翻译的错误分析及对策

公示语翻译的错误分析及对策

校园英语 / 翻译研究公示语翻译的错误分析及对策广安职业技术学院/母滨彬【摘要】随着国际步伐的加速和我国对外开放的逐渐深入,公示语的翻译(英译)与日俱增。

本文探讨了当今我国公示语翻译的基本现状,分析了现有公示语翻译中出现的错误,并在此基础上提出规范公示语翻译的对策。

【关键词】公示语 错误 对策公示语是一种常见于公共场所的特殊文体,用寥寥数字来表达对受众的某些要求或引起人们的注意。

由于其特殊性,公示语广泛地应用于人类生活的各个方面。

在我国,公示语大多都通过英汉两种语言来展示,成为一种交际工具。

在此背景下,公示语的英译显得尤其重要。

而当今我国公示语的英译文还不能较好的满足国外受众的需求。

甚至在很多城市的机场设施、旅游景点和公共设施等处的英文标志错误百出,令人误解,有些错误甚至令人瞠目结舌,这将严重影响外国友人在中国的生活,并且严重影响到了中国的国际形象。

本文旨在通过归纳常见公示语翻译的错误来探讨公示语翻译的过程及对策。

一、公示语翻译的错误分析我国公示语翻译的质量良莠不齐,出于职业习惯,我们平日对公示语的英译文也颇为关注,发现其问题确实严重。

常见的公示语英译错误有如下几类:1.逐字翻译,望文生义。

这种形式的翻译在没有完全了解某一词句的特殊含义的基础上进行翻译,译者没有对译文所要传达的预期交际功能进行有效评估,翻译过程中逐字翻译,造成理解障碍,使得译文质量差强人意。

例如在我国很多景区,游客经常会看到“注意安全,小心落水”的警示牌,英译文竟然是“Take care! Fall into water carefully!”很显然,原文中的“小心落水”是希望游客能加以防范,也就是“Be careful of deep water!”并不是要希望大家“小心地落入水中”,试想若果某些外国游客轻信了警示牌中的英译文,还以为这是景区的某个娱乐项目,都纷纷“小心翼翼落入水中”,其后果将不堪设想。

还有一部分译文,滥译或乱译现象更为严重,令人瞠目结舌。

汉英公示语误译分析及对策

汉英公示语误译分析及对策

汉英公示语误译分析及对策汉英公示语早已随全球经济一体化进入我们社会生活的各个领域,本文分析了城市公示语翻译质量不尽人意的现状及原因,并提出了解决办法。

关键词: 汉英公示语误译分析对策一、引言随着全球经济一体化进程的不断推进,对外合作与交流步伐也日益加快。

当越来越多的国际友人来投资旅游时,如何帮助他们更好地认识和了解中国的大小城市,为他们提供良好的服务,迫在眉睫。

此时城市各公共场所添加的汉英公示语就显得尤其必要。

二、汉英公示语翻译现状(一)词汇与句法结构层面汉英公示语翻译有它自己的词汇和相对固定的句法结构,有些译者在翻译汉英公示语时未能深刻认识该问题,导致生搬硬套,出现许多中式英语,甚而阻碍了其意义的表达。

中式英语翻译指的是那些“望文生义、不符合英语表达习惯的翻译”(丁衡祁,2002)。

市内公共场所很多垃圾箱上的环保性口号“保护环境从我做起”被逐字译成“Protect circumstance begin with me”,这就不符合英语表达规范。

又如:市区某一个公共厕所,可以见到上面标注“Publictoilet”,这就是明显地按照汉语的字面意思和语序结构翻译对号入座。

再如,市内很多商场为体现其人性化都会在室内电梯上方悬牌“小心碰头”,有的被译为“Take care of your head”,这显然成了笑话。

其实,用“Watch your head”“Mind your head”就行了。

相对于这些英语国家也常用的公示语,我们大可以实行拿来主义,贴合译语习惯。

(二)语境与语用对等层面曾有位著名翻译家说:“The proper words should be in the proper places in the translation.If not,errors might find you.”在翻译有的公示语时,译者由于没有很好地体会原文,斟酌用词,造成词不达意,偏离原义。

如: 某家服饰店将“大减价”也译为“Sale”,改为“Special”较好,能突出“大”的意味。

公示语翻译错误原因探讨及其应对措施

公示语翻译错误原因探讨及其应对措施

公示语翻译错误原因探讨及其应对措施作者:许方媛来源:《赤峰学院学报·哲学社会科学版》2014年第03期摘要:随着改革开放的深入,中国的对外交流日益增多,中国的古老传统文化受到越来越多的外国游客的青睐,入境游逐渐增加,越来越多的城市及其景区都开始使用双语公示语,可是公示语的英译却不能令人满意。

本文通过调查研究大量的公示语翻译案例,总结了一些公示语常见的错误,并试图提出几个公示语翻译的原则。

关键词:公示语;翻译错误;原因;应对措施中图分类号:H159 文献标识码:A 文章编号:1673-2596(2014)03-0216-02一、引言公示语是给公众在公众场合看的文字语言,是人们生活中最常见的实用语言,是一种公开面对公众的、以达到某种交际目的的特殊文体。

公示语在生活中应用广泛,例如路标、广告牌、商店招牌、公共场所的宣传语、旅游简介等等。

公示语是国际化都市、国际旅游目的地语言环境、人文环境的重要组成部分。

随着改革开放的深入,我国旅游业逐步发展。

近几年来,我国的入境旅游业也进入快速发展阶段,中外交流逐步加强,双语公示语逐渐增多。

但眼下国内很多景区以及很多公共场所的公示语翻译仍然存在很多错误。

近日,笔者走访调查了安徽省以及附近各省城市及景区的公示语翻译情况,发现不容乐观。

很多公示语不但起不到指示的作用,反而使读者更加混乱。

二、错误原因分析公示语作为一种指示性的语言,在人们日常生活中起着指导、警示等作用,但是就其翻译错误现象,笔者认为主要有以下几种原因。

(一)中式英语泛滥中式英语(Chinglish),是指中国人在学习并使用英语时,把汉语语言的规则应用到英语语言的规则中,受汉语的思维方式和相应文化背景知识的干扰和影响而说出或写出不合乎英语文化习惯的畸形语言[1],是汉语思维与英语形式结构的混合体,其产生的最根本原因是中西方文化差异。

一个人学习外语时不可避免地会受到母语的影响,所以中国人在说英语时会沿用汉语的言语习惯,中式英语也就由此产生。

公示语汉英错译的原因分析及其翻译策略

公示语汉英错译的原因分析及其翻译策略

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

平行文本翻译公示语应简洁明了,避免使用生僻词汇或过于复杂的句式。

简洁明了公示语的翻译应符合英语的表达习惯,避免中式英语或生硬翻译。

论公示语汉英翻译中的问题和对策

论公示语汉英翻译中的问题和对策

论公示语汉英翻译中的问题和对策摘要随着中国与世界接轨,公示语的双语化成为大城市国际化进展的必然,公示语在人们生活的方方面面发挥着重要作用。

本文揭示了目前南昌市公示语翻译的混乱状况,根据国家的有关法规,并参照欧美国家城市公示语标准,对南昌市部分公示语提出修改意见。

[关键词]:公示语;翻译;问题;对策Existing Problems And Their Solutions On Chinese-EnglishTranslation of Public SignsAbstractIn most cities,especially large cities,bilingual signs are provided in order to bring convenience to the increasing foreigners Public signs in English are essential to tourists. This paper reveals the disordered condition of the translations of public signs in Nan Chang. It puts forwards some suggestion the translation of some public signs in Nan Chang in accordance with the relevant laws and the usual practice in Europe America.Key Words:public signs;translations;problems;solutions目录摘要 (1)ABSTRACT (2)引言 (4)第一章公示语翻译概述 (5)1.1什么是公示语 (5)1.2公示语的应用范围 (5)1.3公示语的应用功能和翻译特点 (5)1.3.1 公示语的功能 (6)1.3.2公示语翻译的主要特点 (6)第二章公式语翻译的现状和存在问题分析——南昌市实例剖析 (8)2.1英译公示语的语用语言失误 (8)2.1.1单词拼写错误、英文书写不规范造成的语用失误 (8)2.1.2逐字翻译造成的语用失误 (8)2.1.3对原文的误解导致翻译中的语用失误 (9)2.1.4忽视语境造成的语用失误 (9)2.2文化差异造成的翻译失误 (10)2.2.1不同的语言社会规范引起的社交语用失误 (10)2.2.2对中国特有事物缺乏了解引起的社交语用失误 (10)第三章:公示语汉英翻译策略 (12)3.1公示语翻译原则 (12)3.2.1以译语读者为本,注意文化差异 (12)2.1.2分析语境,正确把握译、雅译或不译的原则 (13)2.1.3力求通俗易懂,切忌中式英语 (13)3.2南昌市公示语翻译具体策略 (14)3.2.1路街名称修改意见 (14)3.2.2店名和广告宣传修改意见 (16)3.2.3 其他公示语的修改意见 (17)结束语 (19)参考文献 (20)引言公示语——公开面对公众,告示、指示、提示、显示、警示、标示与其生活,生产、生命等休戚相关的文字及图形信息。

公示语汉英翻译的问题和对策

公示语汉英翻译的问题和对策

公示语汉英翻译的问题和对策【摘要】文章从当前公示语翻译的一些典型错误入手,分析了公示语在汉译英过程中容易出现的比如拼写混乱、语法错误、中式英语、语意模糊;文化误解等问题,结合相关翻译理论,提出解决这些问题的对策,以期改善与提高公示语的翻译质量。

【关键词】公示语翻译;错误;对策“公示语”指的是街头路牌、商店招牌、宣传语、警示语、旅游简介等,广泛应用于我们生活的方方面面。

随着中国经济的高速发展,中国与世界各国的交流不断增多,全国各地公共场所的汉英双语标识及提示语也越来越多,但各种错误及不规范现象也层出不穷,比比皆是。

不规范、不正确的翻译不但影响到国外友人在中国的吃穿住用行等,更甚者还关系到城市的精神面貌和整体形象,进而影响到我国的国际形象。

近年来在众多语言学、翻译学专家的呼吁声中,公示语翻译研究逐渐成为翻译界关注的热点。

相关部门对此提高了认识,加强了整改的力度。

在此,笔者依托一些实例,谈谈对公示语翻译中存在的几点问题的看法。

一、公示语汉英翻译存在的问题(一)拼写混乱拼写错误是公示语翻译中最为常见、也是最容易被忽视的一种错误。

除了拼错、大小写或标点符号使用错误等,以下三类错误也应引起重视。

(1)直接写成拼音,比如把“恒美创意图文有限公司”错译为“HENMEI CHUANGYITUWEN GONG SI”;(2)直接写成英语,中英文整齐的对号入座,比如“售票处”,原译为“SELL TICKET ROOM”;(3)中英混用。

“XX街道政务服务大厅”,原译为“SUBDISTRICT ZHENGWU FUWU DATING”。

这类错误可能不会引起很严重的误解,但是他们不但给读者留下了极为不好的印象,并极大的影响了公示语应该达到的目的。

这里建议分别改译成“Hen Mei Photo Workshop”,“Tickets Office”和“District Office”。

(二)语法错误在翻译公示语时,常会出现一些语法错误,如词性误用、名词单复数不当、冠词遗漏、动词形式错误的等。

公示语英译文化缺失现象分析

公示语英译文化缺失现象分析

公示语英译文化缺失现象分析公示语,一种指示标语,它的发展不仅代表着一种语言现象的完善,同样也代表着一种文化现象的完善。

作为与世界接轨的中国来说,公示语的重要性不言而喻,因此公示语的英译值得我们进行关注。

为了更好的服务于外国友人,很多公共场所上的公示语都有汉英两种语言的形式出现。

作为一种跨语言、跨文化的交际活动,公示语的翻译不仅应该注重信息的传递,还应注重文化的结合。

1公示语英译发展的现状如今的公示语主要分为四大类:即指示性标识语,提示性标识语,限制性标识语和强制性标识语。

指示性公示语主要为公众提供信息或指南,例如中转联程,营业时间;而提示性公示语对使用对象则起到一种告知性作用,例如告知大家左转卫生间,现金清点,注意台阶,行李房,吸烟区;限制性公示语顾名思义是对使用者行动作出合理限制,例如保持安静,顾客止步,使用后请冲水,保持安静;强制性标识语的力度就显得更强了点,表示一种禁止不允许采取的一些行动,例如,禁止吸烟,严禁随地吐痰,禁止进入,禁止停车。

公示语在不同的阶段,所研究所关注的内容是不同的。

近十余年间,北京、上海、广东等城市以举办大型国际体育赛事和文化交流活动为契机,先后颁布并实施了本地的公共场所双语标识英语译法标准,促使公示语得到了前所未有的关注,标志着我国公示语翻译研究进入一个新的发展阶段。

以往的公示语研究主要侧重于研究语法,准确度的研究,而如今更多的是侧重于研究公示语与如今政治经济现状的结合。

在国家逐渐与世界接轨的同时,公示语紧跟着发展的步伐,适应社会形势的不断发展,顺应时代的要求。

各政治机构,相关部门,也都在为了公示语的发展出谋划策。

然而,即便如此,目前公示语英译中仍存在许多复杂的问题例如:1.1文化的缺失,过度的翻译我国对外交流活动中,对外事工作和工作人员的一条重要标准就是需要区别对待,谨记内外有别。

如今的公示语在适应新经济政策的过程中,一直在作出相应的变化,但忽视了与文化的结合。

调查中我们发现许多译文更多体现得是翻译者本国的文化理念,翻译大部分只是浮于表面,有的甚至用错误的词汇进行英译。

公示语双语平行语料库的现状与发展

公示语双语平行语料库的现状与发展

公示语双语平行语料库的现状与发展引言公示语作为一种特殊的语言形式,在日常生活中扮演着重要的角色。

公示语的翻译不仅需要准确传达信息,还需要考虑文化差异和社会背景等因素。

为了提高公示语翻译的质量和效率,建立一个双语平行语料库是非常必要的。

本文将探讨公示语双语平行语料库的现状与发展,并提出相关的建议。

现状分析1. 公示语翻译的挑战公示语通常具有简洁、凝练的特点,其翻译需要考虑到信息的准确传达和文化的适应性。

公示语翻译的挑战主要包括以下几个方面:•语言表达的简洁性:公示语常常使用简短的句子和短语,翻译时需要保持信息的完整性和准确性。

•文化背景的差异:不同地区和国家的文化背景不同,公示语的翻译需要考虑到文化差异,使其在目标语言中能够被准确理解。

•法律和规范性要求:公示语往往涉及到法律和规范性要求,翻译时需要遵循相关的法律和规定,确保翻译的准确性和合法性。

2. 公示语双语平行语料库的重要性公示语双语平行语料库的建立对于公示语翻译的质量和效率具有重要意义。

双语平行语料库可以提供大量的语料样本,帮助翻译人员更好地理解公示语的语言特点和文化内涵。

同时,平行语料库还可以用于机器翻译和自然语言处理等领域的研究和应用。

3. 现有公示语双语平行语料库的问题目前,公示语双语平行语料库的建设还存在一些问题:•数据稀缺:由于公示语的特殊性,公示语双语平行语料库的数据相对较少,难以满足翻译和研究的需求。

•质量不一:现有的公示语双语平行语料库质量参差不齐,存在翻译不准确、信息不完整等问题,需要进一步的改进和完善。

•缺乏标准化:现有的公示语双语平行语料库缺乏统一的标准和规范,难以进行比较和共享。

发展建议1. 增加数据来源为了解决公示语双语平行语料库数据稀缺的问题,可以通过以下途径增加数据来源:•收集公示语文本:通过收集各地的公示语文本,建立一个全面的公示语数据库,为双语平行语料库的建设提供更多样本。

•合作机构建设:与政府机构、企事业单位等合作,建立合作机构的公示语双语平行语料库,实现资源共享和数据互通。

公示语翻译出现问题的原因及解决对策-应用语言学论文-语言学论文

公示语翻译出现问题的原因及解决对策-应用语言学论文-语言学论文

公示语翻译出现问题的原因及解决对策-应用语言学论文-语言学论文——文章均为WORD文档,下载后可直接编辑使用亦可打印——一、武汉市公示语翻译存在的普遍问题公共标志在日常生活中起着至关重要的作用,任何模棱两可的翻译都有可能造成误解,因此,公共标志应该尽可能标准化和规范化,不仅能为外国人提供帮助也能促进良好城市形象的打造。

武汉作为我国中部崛起的主导力量,必须更加重视公共标志语的翻译。

但是,在武汉,存在着大量公示语翻译不佳的现象。

在调研过程中,我发现了以下几类错误。

1.拼写错误。

湖北省博物馆中的消防专用品被译为了Fireemgencyspecialitems。

乍一看,公众可能会忽略其错误,若仔细看,则会发现单词紧急的拼写错误,正确拼写应为emergency。

该单词在日常生活中会被经常使用,此错误显然会对湖北省博物馆的形象造成不良影响。

2.语法错误。

Nosmoking指请勿吸烟,此标识为外国人接受并在日常生活中广泛使用。

但是,在武汉市植物园内,请勿吸烟被翻译成了Dontsmoking,please。

武汉某大学的图书馆内有以下标志语:pleasesetmobilephonetosilent。

显然,译者未能分清to和silent的词性,两者并不能一起搭配使用。

其准确翻译应该是Pleasesetyourmobilephonemute。

3.中式英语。

在一家超市,小心夹手被翻译成Bewareofyourhand,而Watchyourhands可能会更恰当一些。

来也匆匆,去也匆匆常被译成Comeinhurry,Goinhurry,违反了高保真规则,不仅可能导致混乱,也会闹出笑话。

所以,正确的翻译是Flushafteruse。

然而,类似的公共标识如禁止乱刻乱画禁止在公园内随地大小便收费厕所及严禁赌博等明显具有中国本土特色的公示语实际无必要进行英译。

若译成英文,外国朋友会感到滑稽可笑,反而影响了中国的形象,所以选择不译。

公示语汉英错译的原因分析及其翻译策略

公示语汉英错译的原因分析及其翻译策略
03
02
词汇不当
包括选词不当、词汇搭配不当、 词汇量不足等。
语用失误
包括语境理解不当、语言得体性 不足等。
04
公示语汉英错译的危害
信息传递失效
公示语是公共场所与外国游客之间的桥梁,翻译错误可能导致信息 传递失败,影响游客的出行体验和安全。
法律责任问题
在某些情况下,公示语翻译错误可能导致误解和纠纷,甚至引发法 律责任。
公示语汉英错译的原 因分析及其翻译策略
汇报人: 日期:
contents
目录
• 公示语汉英错译现象 • 公示语汉英错译的原因分析 • 公示语汉英翻译的策略与技巧 • 公示语汉英翻译实例分析 • 公示语汉英翻译的改进建议
01
公示语汉英错译现象
定义与分类
公示语
是一种在公共场所展示的文字和图形标识, 旨在提供信息、指示方向、提示警告、促进 沟通等。
转换,确保符合英语表达习惯。
遵循翻译原则,保证准确性
要点一
准确性原则
公示语的翻译需要遵循准确性原则,确保翻译后的内 容与原文意思一致。在翻译过程中要避免使用歧义词 汇或短语,以免造成误解。
要点二
简洁明了原则
公示语的翻译还需要遵循简洁明了原则,尽量使用简 洁、明了的语言表达意思,避免使用复杂的句式或生 僻词汇。这样可以确保公众能够快速理解公示语的含 义。
01
提高语言意识
增强公示语使用者的英语语言意 识,了解英语公示语的含义和使 用规则。
02
培养英语能力
03
提供培训机会
鼓励公示语使用者学习英语,提 高他们的英语水平,以便更好地 理解和使用英语公示语。
为公示语使用者提供英语培训课 程和机会,帮助他们提高英语语 言能力。

浅析国内公示语翻译中存在的问题及对策

浅析国内公示语翻译中存在的问题及对策

浅析国内公示语翻译中存在的问题及对策公示语是指为传递某种意思而在公共场所进行宣传的语句。

在日常生活中,我们经常会遇到各种各样的公示语,如交通标志、公共场所指引、产品说明等。

然而,在翻译过程中,公示语翻译面临着很多难点和问题,本文将探讨这些问题的原因以及相应的对策。

一、语言文化差异由于不同语言、不同文化之间的差异,公示语翻译存在很大的困难。

例如,“请勿打扰”的英文翻译可以是“Do not disturb”或“Quiet please”,但这两个翻译在中文语境下的表达和传达效果截然不同。

因此,在翻译时应该遵循目标语言和目标文化的习惯和特点,从而尽可能地贴近原文的表达效果。

二、信息翻译不准确一些公示语的表述直接影响到公众的安全和制度的执行,部分翻译也出现了一些错误。

例如,在公交车上看到的“全车禁止吸烟”,直接英译的结果是“No Smoking on theB us”,然而,这个翻译的精度并不高,应当是“No Smoking Throughout the Bus”更加准确。

因此,作为翻译工作者,要本着准确、负责、专业的原则进行翻译,避免不必要的误解和误导。

三、表达语言不符合习惯公示语本身也存在表达和措辞的问题,例如“禁止(AA)”、“勿(BB)”、“请勿(CC)”等等。

这些表达方式在国外并不常见,如果直接翻译会产生歧义或误解。

因此,翻译者要根据特定的语境和习惯,选择合适的翻译方式,并进行合理的调整,使得表达更加准确、清晰。

四、易引起歧义一些公示语叙述不具体或过于简化,容易给人留下歧义、误导等印象,例如:“严禁社交网络上发布不实信息”,这种公示语的翻译可能很难精准表达意思。

因此,翻译人员需要加强语言能力和专业背景知识的积累,针对具体语境和目标读者,进行合理的翻译。

五、应用场景和语境不同公示语翻译还需要考虑应用场景和语境不同的问题。

例如,商标标识的公示语通过视觉语言,不是进行语言文本的翻译,因此不需要考虑语言差异和文化差异。

公示语翻译存在的问题及翻译策略

公示语翻译存在的问题及翻译策略

- 242 -校园英语 /公示语翻译存在的问题及翻译策略百色学院/李涵【摘要】公示语是在公众场所向公众传递信息的特殊文体,随着中国国际地位不断提升,公示语翻译在国际交流中的地位越来越重要。

但由于缺乏较为规范的公示语翻译标准,国内公示语翻译存在较多错误。

本文将分析常见的公示语翻译中存在的问题及错误类别,进一步提出解决问题的策略,以期提高公示语翻译质量。

【关键词】公示语翻译 错误类别 翻译策略一、导言公示语是一种常见于公共场所的特殊文体,是指“公开和面对公众,告示、指示、提示、警示、标示与其生活、生产、生命、生态休戚相关的文字及图形信息”。

公示语在社会生活中扮演着不可或缺的角色,担负着规范行为、安全警示、传递公众需求的信息等重要社会功能,其应用范围非常广泛,与人们的衣、食、住、行等各方面息息相关,几乎随处可见。

随着我国社会经济的发展与繁荣,国际地位不断提升,与世界各国在政治、文化、经济等各个领域的合作与交流也日益密切。

同时,英语作为一门国际通用语言,在我国的使用频率越来越高。

因此,近年来我国中英双语公示语日益增多,在很多景区及旅游城市中尤为普遍。

但公示语翻译,尤其是汉英公示语翻译存在诸多问题。

公示语翻译是公共文化及社会用语的重要组成部分,是展示民众综合文化素质及社会整体精神风貌的最前沿风景线,公示语翻译和应用的规范程度直接体现了城市的国际化程度以及开放化程度。

然而,现今公示语翻译错误比比皆是,不仅对在华外国人的生活及出行造成了极大的困扰,同时在一定程度上损害了中国的对外形象。

笔者通过搜集和整理公示语翻译实例,分析其存在的错误及产生错误的原因,以此探讨公示语翻译的原则和对策。

二、存在的错误1.逐字翻译。

有些公示语翻译过度追求中、英文版本的格式及文体的统一,为达到每个汉字和英文单词都能一一对应的目的,对中文公示语进行逐字翻译,甚至不惜臆造“中式英文单词”。

如:“来也匆匆,去也冲冲”错译为“Have to hurry ,was also chong chong to.”;“警(路)风监督电话”错译为“Police road breeze the hurl tell a telephone ”;“出租车上客点”错译为“On the taxi the guest stands forward ”;“开文明车,行平安路回幸福家”错译为“On the civilization car ,Line of road safety The hui xingfu family ”。

公示语汉英翻译的问题与对策

公示语汉英翻译的问题与对策

摘要英语公示语对在中国的外国友人来说是最便捷的路标指示,它的作用是显而易见的。

然而,目前错误和不规范的英文公示语已经严重影响了中国的对外形象,而且也给外国友人带来了很多的麻烦。

本文作者通过多次调查研究,从跨文化视角,将公示语英译错误分为两类,即语言层面和文化层面,然后,作者对这两类错误进行了分析,探讨出现这些问题的原因,并提出了解决这些问题的对策。

关键词:公示语;问题;对策;跨文化交际ABSTRACTEnglish public signs as the simplest guide are apparently essential to foreigners in China. However, the improper and nonstandard English public signs have been a pressing problem because they have defaced China’s International image and have given much trouble to the foreigners in their daily life.On the basis of many researches, the author classifies the public signs translation errors from linguistic and cultural aspects, analyses these two types of errors, illustrates the causes, and puts forward some strategies for improvements of public signs translation, from the perspective of intercultural communication.Key words:public signs; problems; strategies; intercultural communicationContents1.Introduction (51)2. An Overview of Public Signs (52)2.1 The Definition of Public Signs (52)2.2 Functions of Public Signs (53)2.3 Types of Public Signs (54)3. Intercultural Communication (56)3.1 Definition of IC (56)3.2 Language and Culture (56)3.3Application of IC to Translation of Public Signs (57)4. Problems of Public Signs C-E Translation and Analysis of Causes (59)4.1 Problems on Linguistic Level (59)4.2 Problems on Cultural Level (62)4.3 Causes Analysis (64)5. Strategies of Public Signs Translation (65)5.1Literal Translation (65)5.2 Liberal Translation (66)5.3 Addition and Omitting (67)6.Conclusion (69)Acknowledgements (70)References (71)1.IntroductionIn 2008, China held the Beijing Olympic Game successfully, and now the 2010 World Expo is being held in Shanghai. At present, more and more foreigners stream into China. They come to China to travel, study, and do business, etc. Most of them speak English instead of Chinese. Under such circumstances, English Public signs will play a very important role, because these signs will help foreigners to find their way in a new environment or get the information they want. However,the improper and nonstandard English public signs have been a pressing problem because they have defaced China’s international image and have given rise to troubles and inconvenience to the foreigners in their daily life. So it is very necessary to carry on the following error research on English translation of public signs. Many essays about this research have been published on many journals. However, most essays in these journals only discuss the problem from a special perspective and there has not been a thorough and systematic study of the distribution of error frequency and the causes of the errors on C-E sign translation so far. Therefore, this thesis intends to conduct a study of the translation of public signs with the aim to explore the strategies and methods to enhance public sign translation. And it will mainly focus on the following three parts: the application of intercultural communication to public signs; the error analysis on English translation of public signs and strategies for improvement.2. An Overview of Public Signs2.1 The Definition of Public SignsWhen we discuss the definition of “public signs”, it is necessary to clarify the definition of “sign”, in the English language first. The research of public sign was started in 1959 by two scholars named Vinay and Darbelnet from western country[1]424. According to Oxford English Dictionary , “sign” refers to a characteristic device attached to, or placed in front of, an inn or a store, as a means of distinguishing it from others or direct attention to it. In Webster’s Third International Dictionary, “sign”is defined as a lettered board or other public display placed before or on a building, room, store or office to advertise business there transacted or the name of person or firm conducting it [2]. From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language,“sign” is defined as “a board, a post, or place displayed in a public place to convey information or a direction.” [3]While in China, it is in recent years that the expression of public signs comes into our view. In its literal meaning, public sign refers to the words or expression shown to the public in public places. Dai Zongxian & Lu Hefa[3] put forward the definition of “public signs” as “public display of written message bearing a designation, direction and other closely related literal and graphical information.” Prof. Lu Hefa has also classified the scope of signs in China in his dictionary A Chinese-English Dictionary on Signs[4]. According to him, public signs are very commonly used in people’s social life. In a word, the information, which is open to the public and related to their daily life, will be within the scope of researches on public signs. A public sign refers to a language-based message carrier used in public places to inform the public what they are supposed to know. The public signs are widely used in many fields and impact every aspect of our daily life. Therefore, the translation of public signs is ofgreat significance.2.2 Functions of Public SignsPublic signs are widely used and serve different functions for normal operation of the society. According to Professor Lu Hefa[5]38, public signs may fall into the following four categories in terms of function, namely directing, prompting, restricting and compelling. The different functions of the public signs directly affect the style and the mood of the translation.(1) DirectingBasically speaking, public signs serving directing function are information providers and the purpose is to give readers guidance about the service that they are entitled to. They are prevailing in a city and can be found almost everywhere. Examples as follows:问询服务Information售票处Ticket Office外卖Take Away营业时间Business Hours(2) PromptingPublic signs of prompting remind people to pay attention to them. Prompting signs are similar to the directive ones in their informative function. They are widely used on public occasions and often use brief and euphemistic words as well as different forms of sentences structures. For example:油漆未干Wet Paint向左急转弯Abrupt Turn Left减价销售On Sale道路封闭Road Closed(3) RestrictingNot as the two functions mention above, the function of restriction put constrains and restrictions to the readers. The purpose of public signs in this category is to confine the activities or actions of the related public with the special words. The languages are direct and simple, but the readers don’t feel these signs are impolite or rude. Look at the following:凭票入场Ticket Only慢速驶出Slow Out游客止步Staff Only限停车10分钟10 Minutes Parking(4) CompellingPublic signs of this type have a more tough tone than those with other three functions. They require readers to take or not to take certain actions, usually with direct tough, forceful language. And the language is supposed to bear no compromise.严禁乱扔垃圾No Littering不得进入草地Keep Off the Grass禁止酒后开车No Driving after Drinking禁酒区Alcohol Free ZoneAbove are the four functions of public signs. Chinese and English public signs have the same functions and express specific information.2.3 Types of Public SignsPublic signs can be found very easily around us. They are displayed in different places for different usages and functions. According to the places they placed, the author divides them into the following types.(1). Public Signs for Traffic and RoadTraffic and road signs are used to provide help for people and keep a good social order as well. These signs are playing a very important role in the society, especially in crowded places.(2).Public Signs for TourismMany public signs are placed at scenic spots. Some of them are used to remind the visitors to abide by some rules while others are to help them further understand the history or culture.(3).Public Signs for Service Industry and BusinessWith the development of economy, there are more and more public signs appear in the field of business and service industry. Many signs put on the window or at the door can easily attract consumers from both at home andabroad.(4). Public Signs for Environmental ProtectionNowadays, the situation of environment is getting worse and worse among the whole world. Public signs as one of the communication materials, perform not only the function of publicizing, but also a kind of “High Touch” service[6]26. That’s to say, public signs for environmental protection help to call for people to be self-discipline in protecting our environment.From the above we can see that public signs are widely used in people’s daily life. They can be found in every kind of public places. They are easy to remember and their four functions determine the language styles.3. Intercultural CommunicationIt is quite clear that C-E translation of public signs is closely related with Chinese and English. So bilingualism has always been regarded as an essential requirement for the translator. In fact, the activity of translation is a kind of intercultural communication. In Nida’s opinion, the most serious mistakes in translation are usually made not because of verbal inadequacy, but of wrong cultural assumptions[7]. Therefore, it is a must for translators to know some about intercultural communication.3.1 Definition of ICIt is clear that IC refers to the communication among people from two or more cultures. Successful IC is based on the positive feeling and beliefs we bring to the intercultural encounter and on the behavioral skills we possess. Professor Jia Yuxin[8]23thinks that the intercultural communication is the communication between people from different cultural backgrounds. Hanvey[9] believes that the sense of IC is the sensitive recognition of cultural factors between joiners during their communication.Language can not exist without culture. Naturally, in the course of intercultural communication, the participant or the translator should not only be familiar with his own language and culture, but also the language and culture of his counterpart, especially the differences between the two involved cultures[10].Only when he keeps these cultural factors in mind can he be competent in the process of intercultural communication.3.2 Language and CultureThe relationship between language and culture has been studied for many decades. Brown, H.D describes the two like this: “A language is a part of a culture and a culture is a part of a language; the two are intricately interwovenso that one cannot separate the two without losing the significance of either language or culture.”[11]56 Language is a bridge people can use to learn or understand cultural values and it is necessary to know cultural values to acquire the language to portray them. Language is a very important component of the culture. In fact, language is decided and restricted by the culture. Culture can have a great effect on the existence and development of language in many aspects.Therefore, in order to communicate effectively and competently across cultures we need to be aware of both linguistic and cultural knowledge at the same time. It is also suitable to PS translation, since this specific translation task is involved with both two different languages and cultures. If we want to have correct and idiomatic English public signs, we should not only be bilingual, but also be bicultural.3.3Application of IC to Translation of Public SignsPublic signs translation is an activity of intercultural communication, that’s to say the intercultural awareness is a must for translators when translating public signs into English. Just as Nida has put: to be bilingual, one has to be bicultural[12]. Cultural approaches consider translation as a communicative process which appears between cultures[13]27. Concerning public signs translation, the translators should focus on differences between the characteristic of Chinese and English language. It is true that cultural discrepancy is an important factor in the course of C-E translation of public signs.In addition, public signs translators should take readers’response as an important criterion in the assessment of translated version. Since these readers are mainly foreign visitors and tourists who know little about the history and culture of about China. It is true that many problems and errors in public signs translation are caused by the insufficient intercultural awareness. Some translators are deeply influenced by their mother tongue, which is a big problem when translating Chinese public signs into English. To solve the problem, public sign translators should correctly express the meanings of Chinese PSs in accordance with the idiomatic expressions of the target language when doing PStranslation. In this way, our translated versions can be better and more easily understood by target readers. It is evident that failure of IC in this specific translation task will undoubtedly lead to the occurrences of many mistaken and obscure English versions of Chinese PSs.4. Problems of Public Signs C-E Translation andAnalysis of CausesNowadays, a variety of international events are held in China, with an increasing number of foreigners coming here. English as the universal language of the world, becomes the most convenient tool of our communication. Although experts have called for more attention on the translation of public signs, and the present situation is far from being satisfactory. Ni Chuanbin and Liu Zhi[14]19published the paper Translation Principles for Public Signs and Example Analysis in which the authors put forward five principles. After that, there are many papers about translation of public signs appearing in some journals, but most of them didn’t form syste matical research. On the next part we will discuss the problems on the translation of public signs from linguistic and cultural aspect, and then analyse the causes.4.1 Problems on Linguistic LevelThe errors of linguistic translation are often due to deficiencies in the translator’s source or target competence. He Ziran ever explained that by making linguistic errors, the translators or interpreters fail to conform to the target language structure, instead they casually translate the source text in their own language structures.4.1.1 MisspellingThe most commonly encountered problems in the C-E translation of public signs are undoubtedly the spelling mistakes or misspelling. Errors of this kind are easily noticeable, but they are intolerable to English readers because they leave a bad impression to foreigners on the English proficiency of Chinese people. Such mistakes can be found everywhere, for example:(1) Ants and Crafts(工艺品)You may feel confused by this phrase if you are not on the spot and see the real objects with your own eye. It is put before the arts and crafts department in a sale stall in Nanjing Airport. It should be Arts and Crafts.(2) We may be surprised to see such an expression “Read End Collision”on a super highway, with the original meaning “追尾危险”. This public sign is very common and essential on super highways to warn drivers against accidents and keep the traffic order. However, the word “Rear” is mistaken for “Read”, and with no doubt it loses the intended meaning.In real life, spelling mistakes take up a lot in the overall translation problems of public signs. We may think that the translators should be responsible for them. Some may lack professional competence or may be because of their carelessness. Also the printers or makers of the public signs should be responsible for the problems.4.1.2 Grammatical ErrorsSentences in a good translation should, at least conform to the grammatical rules or conversations of target language. And it is particularly true for the translation of public signs. However, a lot of grammatical problems can be found in the translation of public signs. Most of these errors are not that visible as misspelling, but they also show the poor proficiency of the translator and their irresponsible attitude.Example 1: The International Building in Guangzhou, which is the tallest in China and also the symbol of Guangzhou city. It should stand for China’s international image. However, one of the signs on the International Building goes like: “加强国际交流合作,让世界了解广州”. The translation is: “International Exchange and Cooperation Facilitate Development of Guangzhou into International Metropolis!”It’s quite difficult for foreigners to understand. Due to the grammar problems, this sign could hardly play the role of building up an international city image. It is suggested to be translated as: “Facility the Development of Guangzhou into an International Metropolis through International Exchange and Cooperation!”Example 2: “通往下层” is translated into “To the below floor” on a certain street in Nanjing. The English version is grammatically wrong because the word “below” is a preposition instead of an adjective. Therefore, the English version should be “To the lower floor”.Example 3: “请保护环境卫生” is translated into “Please keep environment sanitation”, which has big grammatical problems. In terms of the sentencestructure, it is obvious that the word of “environment” is the object of the verb of “keep” and the word of “sanitation” is the object complement. According to English grammar, there exists a logical subject-predicate relationship between the object and its complement. So this sentence should be translated into “Please keep the place clean and tidy.”4.1.3 Words Improperly UsedA famous translator ever said that the proper words should be in the proper places in the translation. If not, errors might happen. The so-called “using improper words” shows that the translator does not fully understand the original public signs, and just makes a literal translation, which makes people puzzled.Example 1: 敬老院——Old Man’ HouseTo respect the aged and love the young are always the traditional virtues of China. In western countries, people do not like somebody else to say that they are old. So this pubic sign should be translated into “Senior Citizens’ House”.Example 2: 客户服务中心——Client Ministrant Centre“Ministrant”, as an adjective, is very formal and seldom used, meaning serving attendance. So it is not proper here, and we can use a very simple word “service” to replace it. It can be translated into “Customer Service Centre”.Example 3: 请勿停车使用——No Occupying While StablingThe revised English version should be No Occupying While Stationary. We can always find the above example on the toilet doors on trains. Here the word “stabling” is misused for it means “space in stables (a building for keeping and feeding horses in)”.In the translation of public signs, poor choice of words can be easily found. It is a very serious problem to choose wrong words. It shows the poor capability of the translators. Each word, when used in a new context, is a new word [15]251.A word is the smallest unit of language on its own, and the meaning is the most essential aspect of a word. So words should be chosen on the basis of accurate understanding of them.4.2 Problems on Cultural LevelApart from mistakes on the linguistic level, the mistranslation concerning culture also needs attentive study. Translation involves the transfer of two cultures as well as that of two languages, and that translation is regarded as a cultural communication to transplant the source culture. It is not an easy task to translate between Chinese and English because the two languages belong to entirely different cultural traditions. So translation is the intercultural communication between the western and Chinese cultures.To some extent, linguistic mistranslation is more tolerable to target readers in comparison to the mistranslation on the cultural level. Translation mistakes on the cultural level may make foreigners feel they are offended in such fields as customs, beliefs and faith. Therefore, mistranslation resulting from cultural ignorance is a problem that needs urgent solution, otherwise, China will be regarded as a country in the lack of cultural respect to others.Generally speaking, mistranslation from the perspective of culture can be classified into two categories: Chinglish and Inappropriate tone.4.2.1 ChinglishChinglish translations always come from the word-for-word translation method, which results from either the translators using such translation tools as dictionaries and translation machines or their lack of proficiency in translation. Chinese and English-speaking people have different thought patterns and accordingly different ways to express ideas. If these differences are ignored, it’s very easy to produce Chinglish.Example 1:请勿乱扔杂物——No Throws TrashThis public sign is widely used, especially in tourist attractions. But the translation is far from being satisfactory. It is apparently affected by Chinese pattern of thinking and it is typical Chinglish. The revised version is “No Littering”.Example 2: 不得在停车场内随地吐痰、大小便——Spitting, going convenient around must be prohibited.There is no such phrase as “going convenient around” in English. It might be an absurd word for word translation of “随地大小便”as in Chinese, “goaround”means “随地”and “convenient”means “方便”.Chinglish like this makes target readers who don’t speak Chinese puzzle or may laugh. A suggest version is “Spitting, urinating or defecating must be prohibited”.Example 3:一次性用品——A Time Sex ThingWhat will foreigners feel when they see signs with such filthy words? The translation is different from the original meaning. “一次性”means it can be used once only, but the translation not only twists the Chinese meaning, but also becomes an international joke. We can translate it into “Disposable Articles”.The following are more examples about Chinglish.Wrong Correct游客止步Consumers Stop Employee Only肉松Meat Pine Dried Meat Floss激情海岸Sex on the Beach Exotic Flavor买一赠一Buy one, give one Buy one, get one free英语之窗The Window of English English Service AvailableThe examples similar to those mentioned above are too numerous to show one by one. It can be said that the phenomenon of Chinglish is caused by translating Chinese according to the superficial Chinese meaning. And the translators didn’t pay attention to the differences between Chinese and English. They may impose the Chinese thinking model on the English version.4.2.2 Inappropriate ToneTo some degree, the tone decides what the additional function a public sign assumes besides the most fundamental one. Therefore, when translating public signs, we should not only translate the exact meaning but also the exact tone so that we could achieve functional equivalence in an overall way. But in most cases, equivalence in tone is always lost due to cultural misunderstanding.Example1: “青草依依,踏之何忍” can now be seen in many public places. Different from “请勿践踏草坪” which was often classified as a compelling sign in the public in the past, the former is more vivid and polite in tone because of personification used to express the meaning from the view the grass that we should protect. “Keep off the Grass”is the general translation, but the translation of “The Grass So Fair, Needs Your Care”put forward by Wu Weixiong[16]36 in 2004 is strongly recommended according to Nida’s functionalequivalence.Example 2: “请勿在此吸烟” This public sign is always translated into “No Smoking”which also violates Nida’s functional equivalence. The appropriate one is “Thank You for Not Smoking Here”From the discussion above, we can see that different cultures have different views of the same things, and errors will arise in the process of translation if those differences are overlooked by the translators. So translators should have a good command of cultural traditions of western countries.4.3 Causes AnalysisAs mentioned above, there are mainly two types of mistakes in Chinese-English public signs translation: translation errors on linguistic level and on cultural level. It may be due to translator’s carelessness such as spelling; it may also be due to translator’s low proficiency such as grammar errors. To solve those linguistic mistakes, translator needs to be both proficient and careful. In some cases, even if fully understanding the meaning of the original Chinese expressions, some translators may feel it difficult to find proper English words to replace the Chinese ones, and just use some words apparently seeming to be equivalent to the Chinese ones.For another thing, more and more new public signs appear nowadays. And these public signs have their own special characteristics. So it’s quite hard for the translator to express the English version correctly. The lack in the language competence was and still is a universal problem in the translation of pubic signs.Thirdly, with the development of science and technology, many signs are translated by computer software. In fact, it is very good to use computer as a reference. However, if we just rely on computer, the translation must have many problems.5. Strategies of Public Signs Translation5.1Literal TranslationLiteral translation is correct and must not be avoided, if it secures pragmatic equivalence to the original[17]. But literal translation is not word-for–word and one-to-one translations. Literal translation renders both the style and content of the original, and it also retains the original cultural information. Literal translation is widely used in translation of informative public signs which requires the accurate transfer of the original information.Example 1: 平等,发展,和平——Equality, Development, Peace.Example 2: 整个景区占地约8000平方米,以排云殿为中心,由排云殿、宝华殿、云锦殿、二宫门、芳辉殿、紫霄殿、德辉殿以及连通各座殿堂的游廊、配房组成(The Summer Palace)——The entire scenery area covers an area of 8000 square metres, with Paiyun Dian at the center, surrounded by Paiyun Men, Yuhua Dian, Yunjin Dian, Er Gong Men, Fanghui Dian, ZixiaoDian. Dehui Dian, all of which are linked by corridors and side halls.Information of the source texts are all maintained. Sentence orders remain unchanged in the translations. Even the target texts take the similar styles of the source text. The transfer of content must be put to priority. For informative public signs, literal translation can best reserve the original content.5.2 Liberal TranslationLiberal translation mainly conveys the meaning and spirit of the original without remaining the sentence patterns or figures of speech. Liberal translation echoes with Peter Newmark’s communicative translation. Liberal translation is the main strategy used in translation of evocative public signs. As discussed above, for evocative public signs, the focus of attention of the Chinese readers and that of the English readers are quite different. In this case, a liberal method is preferred.Example 1:…是当年慈禧到佛香阁拈香礼佛时的更衣之处(The Summer Palace)——It served as a dressing room for Empress Dowager Cixi on her way to the Tower of the Fragrant of the Buddha to pay her homage. Functionally speaking, this sentence is an informative one. Compared with “pay homage to the Buddha”, “burn incense”is less important information. The target text, although not completely transfer the original content, functions the same as the source text.Example 2:…高度体现了中国园林“虽由人作,宛自天开”的造园准则.(The Summer Palace)——…That best illustrates the guiding principle of traditional Chinese garden design: “the works of men should match the works of Heaven”.As a matter of fact, the adoption of literal and liberal translation in the C-E translation is quite flexible. Sometimes, the combination of the two methods of translation is also visible. However, just as Nord said that “ends justify means”, the actual functional purpose of a sign should always be the No 1 priority in the translation public signs. And the text type of a specific sign should also be taken into consideration.。

公示语汉译英翻译常见错误

公示语汉译英翻译常见错误

公示语汉译英翻译常见错误word格式论文公示语汉译英翻译常见错误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。

毋庸置疑,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置,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。

word格式论文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。

公示语汉英错译的原因分析及其翻译策略

公示语汉英错译的原因分析及其翻译策略
语境理解不当
公示语通常具有特定的语境和含义, 如果对语境理解不当,可能会影响翻 译的准确性。
缺乏统一标准和规范
翻译标准不一
目前公示语翻译缺乏统一的规范和标准,不同译者可能有不同的理解和翻译方 式,导致翻译质量参差不齐。
监管不力
对于公示语翻译的监管不够严格,一些错误或不规范的翻译可能会被忽略或得 不到及时纠正。
03
公示语汉英翻译策略
语言知识的学习与提高
词汇积累
学习英语词汇,确保正确 理解和使用公示语词汇。
语法训练
加强英语语法训练,避免 因语法错误导致翻译不准 确。
语感培养
多读、多听、多说,培养 英语语感,提高翻译准确 性。
文化差异的认知与把握
文化背景了解
研究英语和汉语的文化背景,了解文化差异对翻 译的影响。
案例三:街道公示语错译
总结词
翻译错误、语言冗余、表达不准确
详细描述
街道公示语中常出现翻译错误,如错译、漏译等。此外,有些公示语存在语言冗余、表达不准确的问 题,导致信息传达不准确。
案例四:商业街公示语错译
总结词
语言风格不符、缺乏语境理解、拼写错误
详细描述
商业街公示语中常出现语言风格不符的问题,如口语化表达 、过于繁琐等。同时,缺乏对语境的理解可能导致表达不准 确。此外,拼写错误也是常见问题。
文化差异不了解
文化背景不同
中西方文化背景差异较大,对于 某些概念、习俗、传统等理解不 够深入,可能导致翻译错误。
文化意象差异
在某些公示语中,可能包含具有 特定文化意象的词汇或表达方式 ,如果不了解西方文化,可能会 误解或误译这些内容。
翻译技巧不熟练
直译问题
在翻译过程中,如果不了解英语和汉 语之间的语言差异和特点,可能会采 用直译的方式,导致翻译不流畅或不 符合英语表达习惯。

公示语汉译英翻译常见错误

公示语汉译英翻译常见错误

公示语汉译英翻译常见错误[摘要]公示语英译文本在城市对外宣传自身形象的活动中起重要作用,并且,每个城市对于英译文本公示语的需求与日俱增。

对公示语汉英翻译中经常出现的错误进行分析,将汉语直接翻译成英语;英译文本语意交际效果欠佳;英文与汉语拼音混用等。

针对公示语翻译中出现的误译提出相应的,符合英美国家语言习惯的译文。

[关键词]公示语;汉英翻译近年来,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。

毋庸置疑,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置,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、廣告牌、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。

公示语的翻译问题

公示语的翻译问题

公示语的翻译问题摘要:公示语翻译已经成为一个热门话题,但其中也存在一些错误的观念,如公示语翻译的对象不明确,没有区分对内的公示语和对外的公示语,依然按照忠实的原则,采用一一对应的模式来提供公示语信息,而不是从功能的角度考虑等效翻译,甚至以为翻译提供的信息越多越好。

此外一味的照搬国外的公示语,甚至抹杀文化差异性的现象也影响了公示语翻译的得体性。

还有就是以为翻译使用的语种越多,国际化程度就越高。

重文字表述轻图示,群众运动式的纠错,和把不该承担公示语和国际接轨的任务交给公共交通部门和政府部门来承担,也是当前公示语翻译中值得注意的问题。

最好的公示语就是那些不引起人们关注的公示语,它尽职尽责地向人们提供所需要的信息。

而现在公示语翻译所出现的错乱,不但引起公众、学者、国际人士、媒体、政府的关注,而且变成了一场群众翻译纠错运动,几乎成了全民的话题。

从公示语翻译中所产生的错乱现状,可以发现人们对公示语翻译的认识还存在一些问题。

本文就当前公示语翻译中所存在的问题,做了简单的梳理,大致有以下十种错误观念。

1.没有明确的翻译服务对象人的行为,通常有一定目的性。

公示语翻译的产生也是在一定目的支配下的行为,那就是为不懂汉语或者汉语不甚灵光的人提供公示语信息。

因此,公示语翻译的服务对象是以英语为母语或者以英语作为交际语言的人群。

因此,公示语翻译是因有明确的服务对象需求,才主动提供这种服务,而不是臆想的、抽象的服务对象。

公示语译者首先要有明确的公示语翻译的对象意识,即翻译目的论(Skopos theory)所强调的“目标文本接受者”。

在一些领域,可能完全涉及不到英语的需求人群,那就没有必要冒充什么国际化,大跃进式地与国际接轨,而是先看清楚是否需要接轨,再确认轨道在哪里才起作用。

设立双语标示牌,是因为有明确的需求,是为了给国际人士提供便利,绝不是像乞讨的人也在纸上写上money那样来赶时髦。

我国的《国家通用语言文字法》也明确规定,广播、电影、电视用语用字;公共场所的设施用字;招牌、广告用字;在境内销售的商品的包装、说明等应当以国家通用语言文字为基本的用语用字。

汉语公示语英文翻译中的问题及其伦理引导

汉语公示语英文翻译中的问题及其伦理引导

汉语公示语英文翻译中的问题及其伦理引导
问题:
1.翻译不准确:由于语言和文化差异,翻译可能存在不准确的情况,甚至可能导致误解。

2.礼仪问题:汉语公示语常常包含礼貌用语和谦虚语,英文翻译时可能需要调整语气和用词。

3.文化差异:汉语公示语中可能包含中国特有的文化元素,需要针对不同的语境进行翻译。

4.语言风格:汉语公示语的语言风格可能比较正式、庄重,而英文翻译可能需要更加简洁、通俗易懂。

5.翻译标准:翻译时需要遵守相应的翻译标准,以确保翻译结果的准确性和连贯性。

伦理引导:
1.尊重文化差异:在翻译汉语公示语时,应尊重中文表达方式和文化差异,避免用英语的思维方式来翻译。

2.保持客观中立:在翻译时,应保持客观中立,避免加入个人观点或情感色彩。

3.保护隐私权:在翻译涉及到个人隐私的公示语时,应注意保护个人隐私权,并避免泄露个人信息。

4.保护知识产权:在翻译涉及到知识产权的公示语时,应遵守相应法律法规和知识产权保护原则,以确保翻译结果的合法性和权益保护。

5.确保翻译准确性:在翻译时,应充分了解公示语的背景、用途和语境,遵守翻译规范,确保翻译结果的准确性和连贯性。

公示语汉英错译的原因分析及其翻译策略

公示语汉英错译的原因分析及其翻译策略

公示语汉英错译的原因分析及其翻译策略摘要:公示语影响到我们生活的方方面面,但是当前公示语的翻译还存在诸多问题。

本文通过实例分析了公示语翻译错误的原因,探讨了公示语翻译的策略,以期让公示语更好地扮演对外交流窗口的角色。

关键词:公示语汉英翻译翻译策略1.公示语汉英错译的原因分析1.1拼写错误拼写错误是公示语汉英错译中一种最低级的错误,但它比较常见。

如在某火车站,“吸烟室”Smoking Room被错误地拼写为Smorking Room;在某商场,“楼层”floor被错误地拼写成floot;在某大学,竟然将“大学”college错误地拼写成colege。

拼写错误往往是由于译者或标牌制作单位的粗心马虎和责任心不强造成的。

拼写错误虽然一般不会带来严重误解,但往往会给外国友人留下极为不好的印象。

1.2语法错误语法错误也是公示语汉英翻译中常见的错误之一,主要体现在词性误用、冠词漏用、名词单复数使用不当等方面。

如“中西快餐”Chinese and Western Fast Food被误译为China and Foreign Fast Food,误将China用作形容词;“请走侧门”Please use the side door,有的译者将定冠词the漏掉了;“男卫生间”Men’s Room误译为Man’s Room,错用了名词的单数形式。

1.3中式英语英语和汉语在词法、句法、语法规则和表达习惯等方面存在很大差异。

然而,不少人在翻译公示语时受汉语结构和思维的影响,逐字翻译,形成了不符合英文表达习惯的中式英语。

例如许多公共场合出现的提示性公示语“请看好您的物品”被译为“Keep your possessions well”,这样的译文虽然在语法、拼写等语言要素方面都没有错误,但是不符合英文表达习惯,地道的译文应为“Beware of theft”。

又如“小心滑倒”被很多译者译成“Slip carefully”,表达的意思成了“小心地滑倒”,与告示者要表达的本意完全相反,正确译文应为“Caution,wet floor”。

  1. 1、下载文档前请自行甄别文档内容的完整性,平台不提供额外的编辑、内容补充、找答案等附加服务。
  2. 2、"仅部分预览"的文档,不可在线预览部分如存在完整性等问题,可反馈申请退款(可完整预览的文档不适用该条件!)。
  3. 3、如文档侵犯您的权益,请联系客服反馈,我们会尽快为您处理(人工客服工作时间:9:00-18:30)。

国外中文公示语翻译存在的问题与改进措施
摘要:随着中文公示语在国外运用日益广泛,规范公示语的需求也日益强烈。

本文分析了中文公示语的特点,并收集国外使用错误的中文公示语对其进行分类
分析,发现其存在语言错误、文化问题、和交际意图问题,并针对性地提出公示
语“拿来主义”、成立专门机构统一管理、加强翻译队伍的建设的措施。

关键词:中文公示语翻译问题措施
“公示语”是给公众在公众场合看的文字语言,是人们生活中最常见的实用语言,是一种公开和面对公众的,以达到某种交际目的的特殊文体。

它广泛运用于
我们的日常生活,例如路牌、广告、菜单、招牌、公共场所的宣传语、旅游标语等。

随着中国经济、政治、社会各方面的发展,中国逐渐走进世界舞台中心,与
世界联系日益紧密,每年有很多中国人出国工作、旅游、学习。

对于他们,路牌、商店招牌、警示语、广告牌、菜单、宣传语等公示语给他们提供了很大的便利。

然而,在许多国家的公共场所,中文公示语存在不规范的现象,一方面影响各国
城市的文明形象,另一方面也给中国友人带来许多误导和麻烦。

本文收集了各国
存在的问题的中文公示语进行分析,提出规范公示语的相应措施。

一、公示语的特点
公示语满足的是旅游者、社会公众的社会、行为和心理需求,为此在实际应
用中具有突出的指示性、提示性、限制性、强制性四种应用示意功能。

公示语是
一种面向公众,为公众提供信息或者提出行为规范要求的特殊文体,它具有鲜明
的特点。

(一)语言简明精练,篇幅较短
公示语的目标读者是出入公共场所的普通大众,这些人来去匆匆,对公示语
往往一眼看过,只为了获取对其必要的信息,而且,公示语标牌等空间有限,其
篇幅受到极大空间限制,这些条件决定了公示语必须简单明了。

因此,公示语往
往省略虚词,仅保留实意词,大量使用名词、动词和动名词词组结构,如:禁止
通行、出口、入口、小心地滑等。

(二)用词通俗易懂,符合读者文化语言习惯
公示语的读者是普通公众,不具备任何专业知识和接受专业训练的人都应该
可以理解,所以公示语用词一定要符合普通人的文化水平。

例如,小心落水、老
人小孩免费等,这些公示语简单明白,普通公众一看到就很容易懂。

同时,对外公示语还应考虑读者的语言文化习惯。

符合读者语言习惯的公示
语往往更受欢迎,如悍马(Hummer),宜家(IKEA),可口可乐(CocaCola)等,而翻译时关注读者文化不够的翻译往往会失去读者,如百思买(Bestbuy),爱思
必(S&B食品株式会社)等。

(三)交际意图明显,祈使句使用较多
公示语是为了要向公众传达某种强制的、命令的或指示的信息,而祈使句的
语法功能是命令、劝告、警告、请求、禁止等,正适用于许多公示语所要达到的
功能和意图,因此公示语标语大量使用祈使句,尤其是限制性和强制性公示语,如:请勿吸烟,请勿拍照,请勿随地吐痰等。

二、外国中文公示语翻译存在的问题
目前越来越多的中国人走出国门走向世界,中文的使用越来越广泛,但是由于
中文难度大,加上公示语本身的独特性,国外中文公示语存在的问题表现得非常突
出,具体表现在以下几个方面:
(一)语言错误
公示语翻译首先要确保公示语用语的正确性,而国外中文公示语中语言错误
是最常见的。

1.用词错误
最常见的一个错误是用词错误。

如在泰国的一家饭店,他们的菜单将“炒空心菜”和“葱炒鸵鸟肉”翻译成“空心菜上天”和“炒鸵鸟行为”。

这个翻译是纯粹的词汇
错误,让读者完全无法理解是什么意思。

许多国外的中文公示语都存在这类错误
的词汇翻译,如将“泡脚”翻译成“自由的脚”,“蚝煎”翻译成“汽车零件”等。

2.语言搭配错误
国外中文公示语语言搭配错误也是一种常见错误。

如在日本的公共厕所墙上
贴着“漂亮地请使用厕所”,是一个搭配错误。

因为“漂亮”在《现代汉语小词典》
里的意思是“美观、好看”,所以“漂亮”一般不会跟使用厕所搭配使用,常见的搭
配是:这女孩真漂亮、漂亮的风景、漂亮的衣服等。

这个公示语正确的说法是“文明使用厕所”,文明指“人类社会发展到较高阶段和具有较高文化的(与’野蛮’相对)”。

又如在泰国的一个旅游景点的公示语:“趴山请注意安全”。

趴的意思是“肚子向下
卧倒或者是身体向前靠在东西上”,而趴山的意思就是“肚子向下卧倒或者是身体
向前靠在山上”,这样的词汇搭配很滑稽,正确的搭配应该是“爬山请注意安全”。

3.语言逻辑错误
语言逻辑有其自身的规律,如果违反其规律,读者就很难明白语言要表达的
意义。

语言逻辑错误也是国外中文公示语常见的错误。

越南一家酒店的房间里有
这样的公示语:“请不要挂在服装酒店的阳台上”。

这个公示语逻辑错误,语言顺
序混乱,让读者摸不到头脑。

正确的表达应该是“请不要在酒店的阳台上挂服装”。

又如,在老挝琅勃拉邦的夜市场有个中文菜单写着“黑啤酒老挝”,因为老挝语和
英语语言逻辑习惯相似,往往把句子中的主体内容放在前,定语等修饰语放在后面,但是中文一般是把定语放在前面,重要的内容放在后面,所以这个翻译按照
中文的逻辑习惯应该是“老挝黑啤酒”。

(二)不符合中国人文化习惯
中文公示语翻译中的文化因素也不能忽视。

翻译者需要关注“原语文化和译语
文化在性质和内容上存在的差异”,因此,在翻译中文公示语时,要更加关注中国文化的特性,选择一些符合中国文化习惯的表达。

国外也有不少这类不符合中国
人文化习惯的公示语。

例如在一家泰国的餐厅里有这样的菜名:熏鹅乳房、烤的乳房。

显然在这里译者没有关注译语文化。

中国人相对传统保守,一般不会使用“乳房”这样的字眼来写菜式名,这种表达对中国人来说过于简单粗鲁,合理的译法应
该是“熏鹅胸”和“烤胸脯肉”。

三、规范国外中文公示语翻译的措施
(一)公示语翻译“拿来主义”
对公示语的翻译,最简便实用的办法是直接照搬国外惯用标识。

中文标识必
须照顾到说中文、使用中文的人的感受,在中国已经约定俗成的公示语最原汁原味,也最容易让中国人明白其中味道。

像“买一送一”这样的表达,如果不直接使
用汉语中常用的表达而直接翻译成“买一个多得一个”,就会让给读者觉得啰嗦繁琐。

但是,照搬的同时也应当注意使用习惯、交际需求,针对不同的需求“拿来”
译文。

如广告类公示语往往语言俏皮而简洁易懂,而路标路牌等公示语往往严肃
正式,因此,在进行译文选择时需要关注公示语的需求。

(二)成立专门机构统一管理
为了控制国外中文公示语翻译错误,各国相关部门需要成立专门机构,对中文公示语进行统一管理。

首先,各国政府应该成立相关部门,针对本国中文公示语进行统一管理,部门内部应设立专门的翻译组、专家组、审查组等,对公示语各个方面进行管理。

第二,应该组织相关的部门察看公路、旅游区、商店等公共场所的中文公示语翻译的情况,通过察看进行调整。

如果发现严重翻译错误或分歧,应该及时组织专家进行讨论整改。

通过成立专门机构严格管理,才能消除分歧混乱,使语言环境趋于和谐。

参考文献
[1]彭娅,向士旭.公示语的语言特点及其翻译方法[J].西安航空学院学报,
2014(3):56-57
[2]方林.现代汉语小词典[M].湖南人民出版社,2009,(5):504
[3]束慧娟.生态翻译学视角下的共手语翻译-以上海世博会主题标语为例[J].苏州大学外国语学院,2010,(2):41-42
[4]王敏,姚国文.公示语汉英翻译存在的问题与对策[J].重庆交通大学,2006,(4):20-21
作者简介:董亚(1990年2月—),女,云南昆明人,当前职称为助教,学历为硕士,研究方向为翻译、英语教学。

相关文档
最新文档