Beijing standardizing bilingual signs

(BOCOG)
Updated: 2007-02-01 17:04

The host city of the 29th Olympic Games will have standard English signs on roads, scenic spots, commercial areas, cultural establishments, subways, hospitals and other public places by September this year, Beijing Vice-Mayor Ji Lin told the press after winding out a meeting with experts and officials.

Misspelled or wrongly-translated English signs have long puzzled foreign visitors. Consequently, the municipal government has decided to correct all bilingual signs one year before the start of the Olympic Games, with an aim to make life easier for foreign visitors.

Ji said correct signs have already been put on the traffic signposts for the city's eight core districts and further efforts will be made to bring about an all-round change this year.

He praised the work done to write and publicize the Guide to Standard English in Public Places and called for vigorous efforts to carry out its recommendations. A group of leading officials will supervise the operations to make sure that everything is done properly, he said.

"Standard English translations will not only help us improve urban management, but also accelerate the city's development," he added.