On the Research of English Translation of Chinese Public Signs from the Perspective of Polysystem Theory: A Case Study of a Chinese Enterprise’s Name in its Website

Abstract

Despite the upsurge of interest in English translation of Chinese public signs, the relevant research has long been limited to the prescriptive study. Translation error analysis and correction are the centre of inquiry of translated public signs. Few researches put translated public signs in a broader social context and probe into the root of translation problems. Inspired by the polysystem theory, this paper otherwise attempts to make a descriptive study on English translation of Chinese public sign. The English translation of a Chinese enterprise’s name in its website will be given a case study. Based on the three subdivided systems in the framework of the polysystem theory, this author will analyze how the multiple factors influences the generation and effectiveness of the translation of public signs.