Chinglish, at the most fundamental level, is bad English printed or spoken by Chinese people. There is no connection between Pidgin English and Chinglish: 19th century Chinese Pidgin English was a language that could be learned, and enabled Chinese and Westerners to communicate.
In Beijing, in preparation for the 2008 Olympics, the city authorities attempted to eliminate bad English on public signs and replaced it with better and correct English. Signs that previously read: "To take notice of safe: The slippery are very crafty" were changed to read "Caution - slippery path". Other notable examples include: "confirming distance" (keep space when driving,), and so on.
Yet, Chinglish is well and alive. LOL! This Friday we had to go to a presentation by the Chinese Police for about 200 students in various branches of our language school, New Bridge. I thought I would share some highlights from the "Improving the Self-Prevention Consciousness" section.
-Do not addict in the alcohol.
-Watch out the theft.
-Do not count money in public and watch out.
-Do not hang the digital equipment on the neck.
-Do not let stranger come into the apartment alone.
-Do not smoke in your bed and do not use the high power electronic devices.
-Good sanitary habit can prevent the H1N1 Flu.
Of course, this is all excellent advice and well worth the thirty minute bus ride each way and hour long presentation. Needless to say, we are doing our best to not addict in the alcohol, watch out for theft..., and prevent the H1N1 flu. I was talking with my good buddy, Ed, this week and we thought it might be funny to post a "Chinglish Pic of the Week". So I will do my best to capture the funny signs, advertisements, etc and post them here for you to enjoy.
Goodnight,
John
No comments:
Post a Comment