Beijing plans to correct all bad English on major public signs
by the end of 2007, Ji Lin, vice mayor of Beijing, said at a work
conference here on Wednesday.
All English translations used in road signs, tourist
attractions, commercial services, stadiums and gymnasiums, and
health and medical services in Beijing would be corrected prior to
the Beijing Olympic Games.
A government website on correct English usage, that has been
collecting suggestions from the public for two months, was
officially launched on Wednesday.
Proper English on public signs are important for the Beijing
Olympics, as well as the future development of the city, said
Ji.
English on road signs within the city's fifth ring road have
already been corrected, and the municipal government is now
searching for other incorrect and misleading public signs.
"Chinglish", or English with Chinese characteristics, is
prevalent in the Chinese capital.
English speakers in Beijing have in the past been invited to
visit "Racist Park" -- more accurately translated as the Park of
Ethnic Minorities -- and warned to take care on wet roads as "the
slippery are very crafty".
Beijing is also drafting standard English translations for
Chinese cuisine and drinks, which should also be released soon,
Jisaid.
(Xinhua News Agency February 2, 2007)