Lost-in-translation signs to be cleansed for Olympics

[snopes]

For years, foreigners in China have delighted in the loopy English translations that appear on the nation's signs. They range from the offensive — "Deformed Man," outside toilets for the handicapped — to the sublime — "Show Mercy to the Slender Grass," on park lawns.

But Beijing city officials have unveiled a plan to stop the laughter. With hordes of foreign visitors expected in town for the 2008 Summer Olympics, Beijing wants to cleanse its signs of translation nonsense.

The city has replaced 6,300 road signs that carried bewildering admonitions such as: "To take notice of safe: The slippery are very crafty." (Translation: Be careful, slippery.)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...nasigns06.html

[Pseudo_Croat]

That has to be the first time I've ever heard of someone making a concerted effort to fight back against Engrish. However, with the reputation of a city on the line, I can understand.

- Pseudo_Croat

[kanazawa]

Then of course there is the opposite problem of Westerners getting tattoos in Chinese characters ...badly.... http://www.hanzismatter.com/

[BlushingBride]

Originally Posted by kanazawa

Then of course there is the opposite problem of Westerners getting tattoos in Chinese characters ...badly.... http://www.hanzismatter.com/

I've probably told this story before, but a few years back I met a woman with two characters tattooed prominently on her neck. I asked her what they meant, and she said something like "Strength and Family."

I didn't have the heart to tell her that they really meant "Stupid Woman."

[inkrose115]

Originally Posted by BlushingBride

I've probably told this story before, but a few years back I met a woman with two characters tattooed prominently on her neck. I asked her what they meant, and she said something like "Strength and Family."

I didn't have the heart to tell her that they really meant "Stupid Woman."

That's kind of bad in the long run though. What if she runs into someone who can read them but is a lot meaner then you?

[BlushingBride]

Originally Posted by inkrose115

That's kind of bad in the long run though. What if she runs into someone who can read them but is a lot meaner then you?

1) By the time you have the tattoo, it's kind of too late. Her bad for not researching things properly.
2) We weren't friends at a party or anything. I was working, and she came into my store. Anything but quick chat was inappropriate.
3) I'm not going to start a fight with a complete stranger. If someone else wants to, power to them. I much prefer to remember the story as a cautionary tale.

[Spam & Cookies-mmm]

Originally Posted by snopes

.

The city has replaced 6,300 road signs that carried bewildering admonitions such as: "To take notice of safe: The slippery are very crafty." (Translation: Be careful, slippery.)

So what are they doing with the discarded signs? I'd love to have one!

[PallasAthena]

My husband and I loved the quirky signs when we were in China this summer. They were especially fun in Xian (where the Terra Cotta Warriors are). We deciphered most of them but there was this one...

"Concuss with the world together!"

This was a very large sign outside of a rather trendy looking clothing shop.

Snopesters! Please! What does this mean?