A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Mistranslation in Chinese-English Signage Translation

Abstract

As China's global engagement continues to expand, the need for accurate and effective English translations of Chinese signage in public spaces has become increasingly important. Such signage serves as a crucial window for foreigners to engage with Chinese culture, shaping their perceptions of the nation and its people. However, despite efforts to improve Chinese-English translation standards, the problem of mistranslation remains ubiquitous, even in prominent settings. This undermines the objective of bolstering China's soft power and presents a challenge to maintaining the country's image as a bastion of civility and etiquette. Against this backdrop, this study adopts a cross-cultural perspective to analyze the causes of mistranslation in Chinese-English signage, and offers practical solutions to address the problem. By doing so, this research seeks to inform best practices for foreign language translation in the context of China's public diplomacy efforts, ultimately enhancing the nation's reputation on the global stage.