The Chinese government is trying to stamp out comically bad translations of signs with a new national standard for the use of English in public places.
Poor translations are known as “Chinglish” and have been tolerated for years. Among examples spotted are signs for disabled toilets that read: “Deformed person exclusive use.”
Beijing is concerned that badly translated street signs, menus and hospital names are damaging the country’s image and making China the object of ridicule.
New translation guidelines will come into force from December 1 and will be overseen by China’s Standardisation Administration and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.
Translations of words relating to public transport, entertainment, financial services and medicine will be scrutinised by the government body.
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