China Identifies 2,753 Menu Items For Name Changes
Travel Blog • Michael Yessis • 09.05.07 | 10:32 AM ET
The Chinese government advanced its campaign to rid the country of “Chinglish” in advance of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, highlighting 2,753 dishes and drinks—including the ever-popular “burnt lion’s head”—as “confusing, even ridiculous [English] translations.” The Chinglish Files has a link to the official government report.
The targeted translations, according to a BBC story, “either scare or embarrass foreign customers and may cause misunderstanding of China’s diet habits.” More often, they just provide laughs. For those who enjoy the unintentional comedy, don’t worry. As we’ve posted, it’s unlikely Chinglish will be eradicated completely. And as of last month, The Chinglish Files is now in paperback.
Related on World Hum:
* Beijing Visitors May Get Some ‘Mixed Elbow With Garlic Mud’ After All
* Signs of Confusion
* Sign Police Hit Beijing Streets; Chinglish Editor Renews Call to Arms
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Michael Yessis is the cofounder and coeditor-in-chief of World Hum.
Mala Mukunda 09.06.07 | 2:55 PM ET
Interesting! They might have to upgrade signs in tourist attractions too. I saw a picture from Beijing Zoo on the Web that warns visitors ‘Please don’t cross any railings lest suddenness happens!’
Go, figure!
Mala Mukunda
Live The Dream…Tell The Tale
http://www.traveling-stories-magazine.com/