Abstract: This thesis mainly studies some common expressions of warning signs, analyzing and summarizing common warning words such as Beware, Caution, Warning, Emergency and Danger. In order to stress danger, warning words usually need to be put at the head of the whole sentence. In addition, by means of illustration and contrast, it can be found that the danger levels of different warning words are distinct. Thus, for the purpose of strengthening the communicative intention of warning signs as well as seeking for better warning functions, warning words should be chosen and applied according to specific situations.

Key words: warning signs; warning words; danger levels

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-1

  2.1 Definitions of Warning Signs

  2.2 Previous Studies on Warning Signs

3. An Analysis on the Danger Levels of Warning Signs-3

  3.1 Position of Warning Words

  3.2 Definitions and Usages of Warning Words

  3.3 Relations between Warning Words

4. Inappropriate Warning Sign Translations and Countermeasures-8

  4.1 Cases Involved in Inappropriate Warning Signs

  4.2 Warning Sign Translation Theories and Methods

5. Conclusion-10

Bibliography-12

Acknowledgements-13