Abstract: With the globalization of economy, China is now experiencing a tremendous change. As English has become one of the most popular language in the world, the implementation of double-langue is inevitable. For the translation of public signs, as a method to give information to others, is one aspect of the facial image of the city and it is also the first image that we offer to foreigners. Meanwhile it is the most practical and common language in our life and it manifests the meaning of our culture. To build a modern and civilized metropolis, we must pay certain attention to every aspect in the process of construction, and the translation of public signs is among the top of them. This essay not only discusses the difinition and significance of public signs, but also puts forward some methods according to its language feature, which can be of great help for the translatiors.
Key Words: C-E translation; public signs
1.Introduction 1
1.1 A Brief Introduction of the Translation of Public Signs 1
1.2 The Definition of Public Signs 1
2.The Present Situation of the Translation of the Public Signs 2
2.1 Information Lost and Tampered 2
2.2 Words Improperly Used 4
2.3 Problem in Spelling and Pronunciations 5
2.4 Translation Disunified 6
2.5 Unsuitable Translation 7
3.Methods to Assess the Quality of Translation of Public Signs 8
3.1 From the Aspect of the Applied and Indicated Function 8
3.2 According to the Standard Issued by the State 10
3.3 Taking the Traditional Translation into Consideration 11
4.Methods Employed in Public Signs Translation 12
4.1 Literal Translation 12
4.2 Semantic Translation 13
4.3 Adaptation 14
5.Some Recommendations 15
6.Conclusion 17
