Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter one Introduction-1

1.1 Background and Significance of the Study-1

1.2 Structure of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 Introduction to Intercultural Communication-3

2.2 Introduction to Public Signs-4

2.3 Previous Researches on the Translation of Public Signs-6

Chapter Three Analysis on Mistranslations of Public Signs in Xuzhou-8

3.1 Pragmatic Failures of Public Signs Translation-8

3.1.1 Pragma-linguistic Failures-8

3.1.2 Socio-pragmatic Failures-9

3.2 Causes of Pragmatic Failures-9

3.2.1 Lack of Translation-9

3.2.2 Improper Models-9

3.2.3 No Differences Between Proper Name and General Name-10

3.2.4 Ignorance of C-E Syntactic Structure-10

3.2.5 Neglect of Western Culture and Value-11

3.3 Suggestions-12

3.3.1 Enhancing the Translator’s Intercultural Awareness-12

3.3.2 Standardizing the Translation of Public Signs-12

3.3.3 Strengthening Government’s Support-13

Chapter Four Conclusion-14

References-15

Abstract

Along with the rapid development of China’s economy and culture, bilingual public signs are becoming more and more important as a window for external publicity. The popularity and accuracy of English public signs represent a city’s degree of internationalization. However, the English translation of public signs in many cities is irregular and there till exist enormous mistakes. This phenomenon seriously affects a city’s even a country’s international image.

This article discusses public signs translation from the point of intercultural communication and combined with enormous examples of Xuzhou, to explore the pragmatic failures of public signs translation, as well as the causes of these errors and some solutions. It aims to provide suggestions for optimizing the urban language environment, promote local culture’s opening and intercultural communication, and contribute to the internationalization of Xuzhou.

Keywords:  intercultural communication  public signs  pragmatic failure