Abstract: Public signs are of great importance for the public and tourists. However, there are many incorrectly translated public signs around us. This paper will study several aspects of public sign translation from the perspective of the Reader Response Theory by analyzing the existing problems and possible causes in Chinese-English translation of public sign, and offering some techniques to amend and improve public sign translations. With the conclusion that currently many mistranslations of public signs occur due to the neglect of reader’s cultural tradition, cultural differences and aesthetic expectations, we must emphasizes targeting reader’ response while translating.  

Key words: English translation of public sign;   Reader Response Theory;   problems and causes;   techniques

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review ..1

  2.1 Introduction of the Reader Response Theory

  2.2 Previous Study on Public Signs Translation at Home and Abroad

  2.3 Basic Knowledge about Public Signs

    2.3.1 Definition of Public Signs

    2.3.2 Features of Public Signs

    2.3.3 Functions of Public Signs

3. Present Situation of Public Sign’s Translation in China3

  3.1 Problems of Translation of Public Signs 

    3.1.1 Linguistic Errors

    3.1.2 Culture-based Errors

  3.2 Causes of Those Problems

    3.2.1 Lack of Responsibility 

    3.2.2 Ignoring the Importance of Context    

    3.2.3 Lack of Severe Rules and Regulations

    3.2.4 Lack of Translation Theories

    3.2.5 Neglecting Cultural Differences

4. Translation Principles and Techniques According to Reader Response Theory6

  4.1 Principles for Translating Public Signs       

    4.1.1 Focusing on Target Reader

    4.1.2 Paying Attention to Intended Purposes

    4.1.3 Being Uniformed and Standardized 

  4.2 Techniques for Translating Public Signs

    4.2.1 Literal Translation

    4.2.2 Free Translation 

    4.2.3 Adding and Omitting 

5. Conclusion9

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements12