Lost in translation? China wants to stamp out ‘Chinglish’

English-speaking tourists are amused by the often comical mistranslations on public signs, but China is determined to eradicate poor grammar, misused English vocabulary and "poor translations that damage the country’s image.”

We don't speak Chinglish: idiosyncratically-translated signs such as this one at the entrance to a Beijing shopping mall will be a thing of the past. Peter Parks / AFP

SHANGHAI // Public signs such as “Pee Park” and “deformed man toilet” may finally be a thing of the past as Chinese authorities crack down on poor translations known as “Chinglish”.

China has waged campaigns in recent years to root out poor grammar and misused English vocabulary and this week took special aim at "eradicating poor translations that damage the country's image", the state newspaper People's Daily said.

The new standard will take effect on December 1 and aims to wipe out Chinglish once and for all on public signs.

“English translations should prioritise correct grammar and a proper register, while rare expressions and vocabulary words should be avoided,” the newspaper said, adding that English should “not be overused in public sectors”.

It also warned against direct translations, which have thrown up examples in the past such as “Racist Park” for the China Ethnic Culture Park in Beijing.

“Pee Park” in Beijing should have read “Fee” and was for a pay parking spot, while others were more offensive — the “deformed” toilet was for disabled people.

There was also the sign at an entrance to a shopping mall in Beijing that helpfully recommended: “To take notice of safe the slippery are very crafty.”

The clamp-down on Chinglish will disappoint English-speaking visitors to China who have long delighted in signs such as one at the Great Wall that reminded people to be careful: “Do not forget the fire is heartless.”

It is not the first time authorities in China have attempted to rid the country of Chinglish.

Beijing officials ordered an urgent clean-up of English-language signs as the Chinese capital prepared for the 2008 Olympic Games.

* Agence France-Presse