Abstract: Public sign is an important part of urban life, and relates to the image of a city to some extent. With the increase of people's attention to Chinese-English translations of public signs, the problems of translations in large and medium-sized cities in Gansu province are also emerging. Spelling mistakes, punctuation mistakes, translation redundancy and so on. It not only caused a bad effect on the translation work, but also damaged the image of the city. This paper conducts actual investigation about these problems on the translation of urban public signs in Gansu province. From the perspectives of normalization, language and culture, the author will combine examples to summarize many existing translation errors, analyzing the cause and finally putting forward three principles of translation. So as to give theoretical guidance to the future translation work, it can improve the quality of translation and the city's comprehensive index.

Key words: Gansu; Urban Public Signs; False Translation; Cause; Three Principles

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

І. Normative Error-3

A.Spelling Mistake, Punctuation Mistake,Capital Error-3

1.Spelling Mistake-3

2. Punctuation Misapplication-3

3. Capital Error-4

B. Reasons Lead to the Error-4

C. Ways to Improve-5

ІІ.Language Error-6

A.Translation Redundancy-6

B. Reasons Lead to the Error-6

C. Ways to Improve-7

ІІІ. Cultural Error-8

A.Chinglish-8

1.Verbatim Translation-8

2.Inappropriate Tone-8

B. Reasons Lead to the Error-9

C. Ways to Improve-10

Conclusion-11

Bibliography-12

Acknowledgements-13