Abstract: This thesis, based on the theory of Functional Equivalence, introduces the functions of public signs in brief and demonstrates the principles for translating public signs, including the principles of consistency, conciseness and comprehensibility. It analyzes the versions of public signs in the tourist attractions in Suzhou and finds out their translation errors in three aspects, linguistic errors, pragmatic errors and cultural errors. It draws the conclusion that translators must abide by the principle of functional equivalence, fully comprehend the functional meanings of the source language and the cultural differences between Chinese and English. Otherwise it is very difficult to get the optimal translation.

Key words: public signs; functional equivalence; Chinese-English translation

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Literature Review-1

2. Functions of the Public Signs -2

2.1 Function of Directing-2

2.2 Function of Prompting-2

2.3 Treatments of Restricting-2

2.4 Treatments of Compelling-3

3. Principles for Translating Public Signs-3

3.1 Consistency-3

3.2 Conciseness-4

3.3 Comprehensibility-4

4. Translation Errors in the Tourist Attractions in Suzhou-5

4.1 Linguistic Errors-5

4.2 Pragmatic Errors-6

4.3 Cultural Errors-7

5. Conclusion-7

Bibliography-9

Acknowledgements-10