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'Racist Park' and 'F**k Vegetables': Beijing set to remove signs with awkward English translations in public places ahead of 2022 Winter Olympics(15 Pics)

Authorities in Beijing are now ramping up efforts to remove public signs with poorly translated English ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics,...

Authorities in Beijing are now ramping up efforts to remove public signs with poorly translated English ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, state media said. 
The city-wide correction campaign has been targeting mind-boggling public notices that are marred with spelling and grammatical errors, as well as offensive language, including 'F**k Vegetables' instead of 'Dried Vegetables' on a sign in a supermarket aisle and 'Exit for Racist Park' instead of 'Ethnic Minorities Park' on a highway.  
Beijing's foreign affairs office has vetted the English translations of more than two million Chinese characters on signs and notices in the capital city since a national standard took effect on December 1 last year, Xinhua news agency reported. 
A sign read 'Exit for Racist Park' when it meant 'Ethnic Cultural Park' on a highway in Beijing. Authorities  are now ramping up efforts to remove public signs with poorly translated English ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, according to state media
A sign read 'Exit for Racist Park' when it meant 'Ethnic Cultural Park' on a highway in Beijing. Authorities are now ramping up efforts to remove public signs with poorly translated English ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, according to state media
The city-wide correction campaign has been targeting mind-boggling public notices that are marred with spelling and grammatical errors, as well as offensive language, including 'F**k Vegetables' instead of 'Dried Vegetables' on a sign in a supermarket aisle (pictured)
The city-wide correction campaign has been targeting mind-boggling public notices that are marred with spelling and grammatical errors, as well as offensive language, including 'F**k Vegetables' instead of 'Dried Vegetables' on a sign in a supermarket aisle (pictured)
The unintentionally hilarious notices often include what is otherwise known is Chinglish, where translations can be too literal. Examples include a sign in a washroom telling people to 'Slip Carefully', when it meant to say 'Caution Wet Floor'
The unintentionally hilarious notices often include what is otherwise known is Chinglish, where translations can be too literal. Examples include a sign in a washroom telling people to 'Slip Carefully', when it meant to say 'Caution Wet Floor'

Zhang Qian, deputy director of the foreign affairs office, called for passing new regulations on signage translations as the city prepares for the 2022 Winter Olympics and thousands of visitors.
This is especially important for private businesses, where owners often resort to the Internet for quick solutions, forming 'a new citadel for wrong translations', she said. 
Signs in Beijing's public spaces and restaurants were first thrown into the limelight during the 2008 Olympic Games, when pictures posted by foreigners went viral online. 
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An offensive 'deformed person' sign is seen on the accessible cubicle in a public toilet 
An offensive 'deformed person' sign is seen on the accessible cubicle in a public toilet 
A sign reminding people to watch their step becomes 'Take care to fall into water'
A sign reminding people to watch their step becomes 'Take care to fall into water'
A fire extinguisher manual marred with spelling and grammatical errors seen in Beijing
A fire extinguisher manual marred with spelling and grammatical errors seen in Beijing
The unintentionally hilarious notices often include what is otherwise known is Chinglish, where translations can be too literal. 
Examples include a sign in a washroom telling people to 'Slip Carefully', when it meant to say 'Caution Wet Floor'. Another notice on the accessible cubicle read 'deformed person'. 
A sign reminding people to turn off the tap after washing their hands read: 'Water saving drip form the start.' 
'A nice electric shock' instead of warning people against the danger zone
'A nice electric shock' instead of warning people against the danger zone
A sign reminding people to turn off the tap after washing their hands read: 'Water saving drip form the start'
A sign reminding people to turn off the tap after washing their hands read: 'Water saving drip form the start'
Working with experts and volunteers, the Beijing  has vetted notices in the central business district, hotels and other areas frequented by foreigners such as the Forbidden City (pictured)
Working with experts and volunteers, the Beijing has vetted notices in the central business district, hotels and other areas frequented by foreigners such as the Forbidden City (pictured)
Others stumbled at polysemantic words - words with multiple meanings. Hence, a sign at a grocery store indicating an exit read 'Supermarket Export'. Export and exit share the same word in Chinese.
Working with Chinese and foreign experts and volunteers, the Beijing this year has vetted notices in the central business district (CBD), hotels and other areas frequented by foreigners, as well as public venues like schools and hospitals, Xinhua said on Monday. 
'Translations of public signs not only help foreigners, but their quality also shapes the image of a city,' said Chen Mingming, executive vice president of the Translators Association of China and advisor to the correction campaign. 
'Disposable products' becomes 'A time sex thing' at a supermarket notice in China
'Disposable products' becomes 'A time sex thing' at a supermarket notice in China
Others stumbled at polysemantic words. Hence, a sign at a grocery store indicating an exit read 'Supermarket export'. Export and exit share the same word in Chinese
Others stumbled at polysemantic words. Hence, a sign at a grocery store indicating an exit read 'Supermarket export'. Export and exit share the same word in Chinese
The emblem of Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games is unveiled during a ceremony. The international winter multi-sport event is scheduled to take place from February 4 to 20 in 2022 in Beijing and towns in the neighbouring Hubei province
The emblem of Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games is unveiled during a ceremony. The international winter multi-sport event is scheduled to take place from February 4 to 20 in 2022 in Beijing and towns in the neighbouring Hubei province
At the same time, the government has launched a dedicated website in March this year to encourage locals to help with the campaign.  
The website also contains lists of government-approved English translations on subjects such as hospitals, restaurants, shopping, and sporting events for reference.
The international winter multi-sport event is scheduled to take place from February 4 to 20 in 2022 in Beijing and towns in the neighbouring Hubei province. 

2 comments

  1. I love to have sex with apple pie instead of vegetables.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love these signs. They tell me why my Chinese students giggle when I write Chinese.

    ReplyDelete