Visitors to China will soon see public signs in more standardized English.
Authorities have issued a national standard for the use of English in the public domain, in efforts to bring in translations that are grammatically and politically correct.
Linguists have pointed out that poor translations block development of a multilingual society, and can create social issues. As well, it reflects poorly on the country’s public image.
According to Xinhua news agency, the name of Beijing Ethnic Minorities Culture Park used to be translated as “Racist Park,” a literal translation that was inadvertently offensive.
The new standard, which will take effect on Dec. 1, is jointly issued by China’s Standardization Administration and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.
It aims to improve the quality of English translations in 13 public arenas, including transportation, entertainment, medicine and financial services.
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China issues standards for public signage in English
