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In brief, basing on the study of translation theory books and achievements made by domestic scholars and masters, the research result of this paper not only improves the current situation of C-E sign translation in Huaiyang scenic spots but also lays foundation for the subsequent research in this or other relevant field.
II. An Overview of Public Signs
The prosperity of tourism industry in China has attracted more and more foreigners, generating high requirements for English translation of public signs. Nevertheless, most English versions of public signs in China fail to reach the communicative function as previous intention. Thus, it is necessary and essential for the translators or interpreters to get a general comprehension of public signs before translating, including the definition, functions and the distinctive characteristics of Chinese and English public signs.
2.1 Definition of Public Signs
In the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (1998), the word “sign(公示语)” refers to “a notice giving information, warning, directions, etc.” (2141) For instance, “Pay attention to road signs,” and “No smoking”.
In a word, signs are appearing all the corners and are playing a very crucial role in our daily life, owing to myriads of ways of classification, and the various functions. Therefore, it is necessary for us to pay attention to them.
2.2 Classification of Public Signs
Public signs can be pided into different categories in different cites. All in all, Public signs are classificated into the following several categories.
1) Signs and Slogans: signs; transportation; business promotion; slogans; place names; forecast.
2) Recreation: sports and games; holidays and festivals; entertainment; television; radio; CD.
3) Shopping: shopping mall; commodities; financial services; bank.
4) Communicating: the mass media; post and telecommunications; the press; publications; libraries; book shops.
5) Organizations: The American States; The commonwealth of Australia; The Police Republic of China.
Strictly speaking, this classification method may not be the most authoritative one, but, it has been recommended as a reference for the relevant academic studies.
According to Reiss’s text typology, public signs in scenic spots can be pided into two text types: the informative text and the evocative text. The purpose of conveying nothing but information, the informative signs perform a “static” state. While the evocative signs perform a state of “dynamic” in order to convey information and arouse some certain reactions. Therefore, public signs adopted in this thesis can be pided into two categories: the static signs and the dynamic signs.
This part the author will refer to the static public signs, which deliver information in a static way to achieve rather than the indicating function and the informing function. In this thesis, static public signs are signifying as the follows.
植物园南门 The South Gate of Botanical Garden