Abstract

With the rapid development of social economy, more and more foreigners came to China to for business and tourism. A public sign serves as a guide in China. Therefore, the C-E translation of public signs is of great importance. However, a lot of mistakes in the translation of public signs lead to misunderstandings. This article, based on Nida’s Functional Equivalence Theory, discusses the problems in translating public signs and also attempts the approach to the translation of public signs, hoping to offer a ready help for foreign friends in Chinese cultural environment.

Key words: public signs; Functional Equivalence Theory; translation

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.  Introduction-1

2.  Literature Review-1

2.1 Previous studies of Functional Equivalence Theory-1

2.2 Previous studies of C-E public signs translation-2

3.  The Functions and Features of Public Signs-3

3.1 The functions of public signs-3

3.2 The features of public signs-3

4.  The Application of Functional Equivalence in Public Signs Translation-4

4.1 Common problems in C-E public signs translation-4

4.1.1 Pragmatic failures-5

4.1.2 Social pragmatic failures-5

4.2 Translation techniques for public signs-6

4.2.1 Being culture-oriented-6

4.2.2 Being information-oriented-7

4.2.3 Being communication-oriented-7

4.2.4 Being style-oriented-8

5. Conclusion-8

Works Cited-10