On Translation Strategies of Public Signs

XCLW36848  On Translation Strategies of Public Signs  (字数：2844)

Abstract

Nowadays, with the advancement of globalization, the translation of public signs between Chinese and English has increasingly shown its self-evident significance. Public signs are closely connected with people's daily live, which has a great effect on our communication and travel. The correct English translation of public signs is also related to the national economic development, external exchanges and international image. Therefore, proper and precise translation of public signs is particularly important. This paper analyzes the status quo of public signs’ translation in Chinese and English, probes into the differences and conflicts between the public signs in China and Britain from the perspective of cultural differences, and finally puts forward the correct translation strategies for public signs in light of the problems and difficulties. Through research, the author thinks that when translating public signs, the translator should be familiar with the language features and functional meanings of public signs, understand the cultural differences between Chinese and English public signs in detail, and take the target audience as the prerequisite of translation. Only in this way can we be perfect and ensure that the original text is correct, so as to promote cultural exchange and strengthen cultural communication.

Keywords: public signs, translation strategies,cultural differences

Contents

Abstract I

Contents 1

1  Introduction 1

2  An Overview of Public Signs 2

2.1 Definition of Public Signs 2

2.2 Functions of Public Signs 2

2.3 Language features of Public Signs 3

3  Problems in Translating Public Signs 3

3.1 Language Problems 3

3.2 Cultural Problems 4 

4  Translation Strategies of Public Signs 5

4.1 Literal translation 5

4.2 Free translation 6

Conclusion 7

References 8