China has issued new standards for English translations in an effort to eradicate Chinglish signs.
According to the Straits Times, the new standard will take effect by 1 December 2017.
It is hoped that the new standard will improve the quality of English translations in 13 public areas. Such areas include transportation, entertainment, medicine and financial services.
Guidelines laid out by the new standard prioritises correct grammar and warns against rare words and odd expressions.
The translations should not “contain content that damages the images of China or other countries“. Discriminatory and “hurtful” words have been banned too.
For reference, authorities have provided sample translations to demonstrate the errors in translation.
“The standard will provide linguistic support for the country’s reform and opening policies,” said an official announcement.
In the report, it is noted that the Park of Ethnic Minorities was translated as “Racist Park”. Poorly translated public signs often amuse English speakers.
Other examples include disabled toilets being translated to “Deformed Man Toilet” and construction signs saying “Execution in Progress”.
Mr Ray Kwong, senior adviser to the University of Southern California’s US-China Institute told the South China Morning Post, “Bad translations on signage, menus and whatnot have been part of China’s charm since I first visited 30-something years ago.”
Chinese government introduces #Chinglish guide to standardize translation and reduce embarrassing situations https://t.co/HjnY05V0SH pic.twitter.com/Lx54AHpSHo
— Sixth Tone (@SixthTone) June 23, 2017
After General Tso’s chicken, my favorite meal. #chinglish #translation https://t.co/fIpBPYUo2I pic.twitter.com/jSR9kCc0w6
— Gene Schriver (@geneschriver) June 23, 2017
China is finally cracking down on bad English. https://t.co/v9mM58022J #chinglish #IELTS
— Legal English UK (@legalenglishuk) June 23, 2017
China Issues English Guidelines So People Will Stop Laughing At Their “Chinglish” Sign: https://t.co/y411uwSVcq #China #Chinglish pic.twitter.com/uNN4VSditP
— Latest on SAYS (@saysdotcom) June 23, 2017
Ok I’ll relax slowly. #Engrish pic.twitter.com/7FsTRFRHon
— Julie (@freshjulie1) June 21, 2017
Still, not as annoying as the bi-polar bears…#Engrish pic.twitter.com/6e44THHK1L
— Engrish.com (@engrishdotcom) December 11, 2014
