I want to be very clear that this is about creative language. It has nothing to do with ridicule, discrimination or just plain mean-ness.
A person can find photos in all kinds of places of signs in non-English-speaking countries that slaughter English. Oliver Lutz Radtke has two small books of signs he found in China, where he lives most of the time. His books are entitled Chinglish: Found in Translation and More Chinglish: Speaking in Tongues.
I'll share a few of my favorites from his books, and I invite you to share the English translation signs you have found around this great big wonderful world. Remember that this is about creativity and the celebration of language, not about ridicule.
If you are reading this as a person learning English as a second language, I hope it will help you understand a little bit more about English grammar and composition. If it doesn't, ask us! Don't be shy! The whole idea is about learning the English language.
These signs are from Chinglish: Found in Translation:
The ancient building is renovating. Excuse me for bringing trouble to you.
Your careful step keeps tiny grass invariably green.
No firemaking in hardcore scenery area!
Please don't dump your receipt and keep it carefully to avoid gangster get your information.
And from More Chinglish: Speaking in Tongues:
You can enjoy the fresh air after civilized urinating
If you are stolen, call the police at once.
And, to avoid pickpockets:
Keep valuables snugly, and beware the people press close to you designedly.
When you can get beyond the urge to laugh at some of these signs, the beauty of wrong language shines through. Imagine what some of our own translations in the opposite direction must sound like.
Languages are wonderful, aren't they? Pure or wrongly translated, the message is usually pretty clear.
