Abstract:As everyone knows, a public sign is a signage which is used to communicate a message to the public. In general, its function is determined by its types. On top of that, different public signs convey different information based on its genres. To some extent, public signs can be said to be very important because it can pass message to people to guide them. However, for some reasons, the mistakes in translation of public signs are very common in our country. Therefore, this paper is to analyze some of the most common mistakes in translation of public signs to help people find out the main reasons of mistranslation and then improve on it. In this study, it focuses on the causes of mistranslation and some suggestions. In addition, this paper has come to conclusion about how to translate public signs accurately. In short, this research is meaningful to provide some advices in translating public signs. Moreover, it has concluded some translation strategies which will be helpful to perfect the translation environment of public signs in the current domestic situation.

Key words: Public signs; function; genres; mistranslation; strategies

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

I.-Introduction to Public Signs-3

A.-Definition of Public Signs-3

B.-Genres of Public Signs-3

C.-Functions of Public Signs-3

II.-Common Mistakes in Translation of Public Signs-5

A.-The Main Mistakes in Translation of Public Signs-5

1.-Word-for-Word Translation Errors-5

2.-Grammatical Errors-5

3.-Pragmatic Errors-6

4.-Spelling Errors-7

B.-Causes of Mistakes in Translation of Public Signs-7

1.-Cultural Differences-7

2.-Translator’s Capacity-8

3.-Thinking Pattern-8

III.-Principles and Strategies in Translating Public Signs-10

A.-Principles in Translating Public Signs-10

1.-Use of International Norms-10

2.-Awareness of Cultural Difference-11

B.-Strategies in Translating Public Signs-11

1.-Adding and Omitting-11

2.-Use of Euphemism-12

3.-Appropriate Choice of Words-13

Conclusion-15

Bibliography-17

Acknowledgements-19