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Drive to end Chinglish persists
By Even Liang |
November 17, 2010, Wednesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
EXPATRIATES are invited to join a city campaign to wipe out Chinglish signs such as "Be Seated Defecate," which should read "Toilet."
The city yesterday launched a 200-member volunteer team comprising linguistic experts, university students and native English speakers who speak Chinese to continue looking for poorly worded signs even though the World Expo has ended.
The volunteers will be responsible for correcting confusing Chinglish signs, promoting local standards for English translations in public places and language training in the city.
Shanghai has corrected more than 10,000 inappropriate signs according to a language standard it drafted before the Expo.
Meanwhile, the Shanghai Language Work Committee published a book reminding people to avoid common mistakes such as: "Making seeing trip the terrace" for "Observation Deck," or "The lift is being fixed. During that time, we regret that you will be unbearable" for "The elevator is being repaired."
"The city has eliminated most of the ridiculous mistakes," said Zhang Ripei, an official with the language committee. He called on locals to tell them about improper signs or join the volunteer team.
Contrary to the official move, some members of the online community are asking people to record and preserve Chinglish signs.
The group "Save Chinglish - China's Disappearing Culture" has attracted 9,055 cyber fans yesterday.
"With the World Expo upon us, this may be the last we see of Chinglish in Shanghai. We need your help to retain our heritage," the group's introduction states.
Similar groups have been organized on Douban.com and other social networking websites.
The city yesterday launched a 200-member volunteer team comprising linguistic experts, university students and native English speakers who speak Chinese to continue looking for poorly worded signs even though the World Expo has ended.
The volunteers will be responsible for correcting confusing Chinglish signs, promoting local standards for English translations in public places and language training in the city.
Shanghai has corrected more than 10,000 inappropriate signs according to a language standard it drafted before the Expo.
Meanwhile, the Shanghai Language Work Committee published a book reminding people to avoid common mistakes such as: "Making seeing trip the terrace" for "Observation Deck," or "The lift is being fixed. During that time, we regret that you will be unbearable" for "The elevator is being repaired."
"The city has eliminated most of the ridiculous mistakes," said Zhang Ripei, an official with the language committee. He called on locals to tell them about improper signs or join the volunteer team.
Contrary to the official move, some members of the online community are asking people to record and preserve Chinglish signs.
The group "Save Chinglish - China's Disappearing Culture" has attracted 9,055 cyber fans yesterday.
"With the World Expo upon us, this may be the last we see of Chinglish in Shanghai. We need your help to retain our heritage," the group's introduction states.
Similar groups have been organized on Douban.com and other social networking websites.
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