6. Results and suggestions
6.1. Results
The “field survey” conducted by the author on the problems of English translation
of public signs in Beijing has shown that mistranslated public signs are prevalent in Beijing. Many factors may responsible for that, among with linguistic problems and neglect of cultural differences are the most important.
Linguistic problems, which involve inappropriate selection of words, meaningless word-for-word translation, redundancies and inappropriate tone of speech, are caused by the carelessness of translators, or the unqualified machine translation.
Neglect of cultural differences between English and Chinese is another causing of unqualified English translation of public signs. They exist on the translation of Chinese store names and Chinese “unique terms”.
6.2. Suggestions
Translating public signs is not a piece of cake, though there are only a few words
on them. It is suggested that translators should be very careful when doing the translation, and quite a lot of factors should be taken into account, for example, the function of the sign, the linguistic features, the acceptability, the original intention, the response from target readers, and the cultural factors lie behind the sign. All these factors turn the translation of public signs a hard task to fulfill.
It is obviously that some of the mistranslations are the product of translating
software, such as “accept silver set” for “收银台”, etc. It is suggested that the results be tested before putting them up in public.
It is suggested that a piece of translation should be testified for its accuracy and
acceptability before showing in public. The following testing methods maybe useful for this purpose:
1. Consulting a native speaker: Whether the translation is a successful one or not is decided by the target readers, so it is better to present the translation to a foreigner by means of email and post etc., to see their responses and follow their suggestions.
2. Using English-English dictionaries: A Chinese word may have quite a lot of English equivalence, but the differences do exist among them. Sometimes the differences are subtle, and can only be recognized by reading their English explanation. It is suggested the translators do the word in two steps: first, using Chinese-English dictionary to get all the equivalence of a new word; second, consulting an English-English dictionary for all the equivalence and see their detailed English explanation, in order to choose the most appropriate one.
3. Back translation: Problems can easily be found by back translating the English signs into Chinese. For example, “policeman’s cue” is back translated as ‘民警暗示”, which is quite amusing, that is to say the translation is wrong.
6.3.  Further thinking: the translation of 请在此刷卡
1. Proposing of the question:
From May 10, 2006, a smart card is required to be used on buses and subways.
Chinese public signs “请在此刷卡” have been printed on every bus and set up in every subway station as a reminder to passengers, but there is no English translation on them.
   Since the number of such a sign is great, the author thinks that it might be a good idea to have the English equivalence on it.
2. Possible solutions
The author proposes such a question on an English study forum to seek possible
solutions. (See: http://bbs.chinadaily.com.cn/viewthread.php?tid=544129&extra=page%3D1) Responses have been received and possible solutions have been suggested as followed:
1. Punch here
2. Using logo such as “VISA” etc. instead of words
3. Please pay your fares with your smart card.
4. Swipe card here.
5. Use your card here
6. Check in here
7. Slice the card
8. Use a logo of a gesture of punching card
9. Bus Card
10. Card here
11. Checking off your E-card please
12. Your user card please

3. Author’s opinion
There are four functions of public signs: directing, prompting, restricting and
compelling. The public sign of 请在此刷卡 is subject to the function of prompting. According to Lv Hefa, either phrases or single words are frequently used instead of completed sentences. From this point of view, translations like “Please pay your fares with your smart card”, “Use your card here”, “Checking off your E-card please” seem too long. “Punch here”, “swipe card here’, “Check in here”, “Slice the card”, “Card please” are acceptable.
Among all these possibilities, the author prefers “Check in here”, which is quite clear and easy to be understood. The only problem is that it’s also suitable for the paper ticket check, and is nothing to do with “刷卡”.
The method of using a logo instead of words is also acceptable. But until now, there is no fixed idea on what the logo of bus IC card is like. In a word, it’s not accepted internationally. The international guest may be confused with the unfamiliar logo and misunderstand the public sign.
Another opinion, that is using a logo of a gesture of punching card, is the author’s favorite. It is a sign that can be understood internationally, hence suitable in this situation.