Abstract: Signs are irreplaceable elements of communication materials and their translation is a necessary step in the process of integration with outside world; Culture is a very important factor which may have decisive effects on the success of international communication. This thesis intends to conduct a comparatively systematic study on the translation of public signs from cultural perspective. In doing so, the thesis attempts to explore some effective strategies and methods applied to the translation of public signs through analyzing the present English versions of public signs in Hangzhou scenery spots. And some suggestions are also offered.
Key Words: public signs; translation; culture; Hangzhou scenic spots
CONTENTS
Introduction 1
1. Principles of Signs Translation 1
1.1 Conciseness…...………………………………………………………………….2
1.2 Comprehensibility……………………………….……………………………….3
1.3 Consistency………………………………………………………………………5
2. Influence of Culture on Signs Translation…………………………...5
2.1 Retaining the Cultural Image…………………………………………………….6
2.2 Shifting the Cultural Image……………………………………………...............8
2.3 Omitting the Cultural Image……………………………………………………10
3. Analysis the Present Situation of Signs Translation in Hangzhou Scenic Spots…………………………………………………………. 10
3.1 Examples of Effective Translation……………………………………………...11
3.2 Examples of Faulty Translation………………………………………...............12
3.3 A Brief Survey of Translation Effects among Foreigners………………………14
4. Conclusion……………………………………………………………15
Bibliography…………………………………………………………….17
