Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-4

1.1 Background of the Study-4

1.2 Significance and objective of the Study-5

1.3 Methodology of the Study-6

1.4 Structure of the Thesis-6

2. Literature Review-7

3. Introduction of Public Signs-10

3.1 Definition of Public Signs-10

3.2 Classification of Public Signs-11

4. Theoretical Guidance of Translating Public Signs-14

4.1 Introduction of Functional Translation Theory-14

   4.1.1 The Background of Functional Translation Theory-14

   4.1.2 The Formation and Development of Functional Translation Theory-14

   4.1.3 The Core of Functional Translation Theory-16

4.2 Functional Translation Theory in Translating Public Signs-16

5. Existing Problems of the Translation of Public Signs in Chengdu-18

5.1 Monolingual Public Signs-18

5.2 Language Mistakes-19

   5.2.1 Spelling-19

   5.2.2 Grammatical Errors-19

5.3 Pragmatic Mistakes-20

   5.3.1 Mistakes Resulting from Word-for-word Translation-21

   5.3.2 Mistakes Resulting from Negative Transfer of Mother Language-21

5.4 Inconsistent Translations-21

5.5 Machine Translation-22

6. Correct Translation of Public Signs in Chengdu-23

6.1 Transportation and Street Signs-23

6.2 Public places signs-23

6.2.1 Directing Signs-23

6.2.2 Prompting Signs-24

6.2.3 Restricting Signs-25

6.2.4 Compelling Signs-25

7. Conclusion-28

Bibliography-29

Acknowledgments-31