Abstract:Based on the work of former researchers, this is a study on the public sign translation from Chinese to English, regarding its relationship between theory and practice. The study includes the practical examples such as Shenzhen subway station names, major road names, expressways names and other signs in order to analyze the current problems. At the same time, we can learn from public sign translation of other regions, such as Guangzhou, Hong Kong. What’s more, this thesis has summarized and analyzed several common translation errors. In a word, in complying with the basic principles of translation, translation theory and translation standards, etc., we should choose the appropriate method of translation, using transliteration, free translation, or combination of transliteration and free translation, to make perfect standards the C-E translation of public signs. 

Key words: public signs; translation errors; proper names; guideboards

Table of Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 The public signs under the background of globalization-1

1.2 Purpose of the thesis-1

2. Literature Review-2

3. Principles of Translation and Common Errors-3

3.1 The translation principles of public signs-3

3.2 The translation of Chinese public signs into English-4

3.3 Common errors of public sign translation-5

3.3.1 Spelling mistakes-5

3.3.2 Inconsistency-5

3.3.3 Using the inappropriate words-7

3.3.4 Misusing Pinyin as transliteration-7

4. The Methods in Public Sign Translation-9

4.1 “Pinyin + the western common expression” -9

4.2 Free translation-9

4.3 Correct placement of apostrophes to separate syllables and the Pinyin "ü"-10

4.3.1 Correcet placement of apostrophs to separate syllables-10

4.3.2 The Pinyin "ü"-11

5. C-E Translation of Public Signs in Shenzhen-12

5.1 The translation of public signs in Shenzhen Subway-12

5.2 General requiements for public sign translation -14

6. Conclusion-15

References-16

Acknowledgements-17