For C-E public signs translation is a difficult task, it’s important to search for some translation theories to provide theoretical basis to make the translation more reasonable and appropriate. Modern functionalism is a suitable theory to guide C-E public signs translation. Before discussing its application to C-E public signs translation, we have to take an overview of its development in history. Katharina Reiss distinguishes between two forms of text catergorization, which are located on different levels of abstraction: on one hand, text types are classified according to the dominant communicative function (basically informative, expressive or operative); on the other hand, text genres or varieties are classified according to linguistic characteristics or conventions (like those of references books, lectures, satires or advertisements). (Nord, 2001:37) According to Reiss, “the ideal translation would be one in which the aim in the target language is equivalence as regards the conceptual content, linguistic form and communicative function of a source language text”. (Nord, 2001:9) The loyalty principle takes account of the interests of the three parties involved (initiators, target receivers, and original authors). And it is the translator’s responsibility to mediate and seek the understanding of the three sides. 

This thesis attempts solve the problem of how to translate Chinese public signs into English appropriately, in order to give some advice for the establishing of a nicer international language environment in China. It contains an overview, current situation analysis, communicative translation theory application, and strategies for improvement. Through an overview of C-E public signs translation, the author gives a general impression to make clear some basic concepts of public signs and also attaches importance to this research subject. 

In a strange environment, with the help of public signs, people’s working efficiency will be greatly promoted, especially the English-speakers in China. Unfamiliar with all the things, even not understand Chinese, English-speakers need guidance for their work and daily life. Then public signs will be one of their good friends. Public signs, unlike other guides, are free and in great quantity, which can offer help or give notice to the public timely, and neither time-consuming nor costly. So high quality English public signs certainly will benefit westerners a lot.

Moreover, public signs play a role of standardizing, harmonizing, guaranteeing, and stabilizing the society in the course of social, culture, and economic development in each nationality all over the world. With the help of public signs, people’s behavior in public will be standardized, and the whole society will be more harmonious.

Appropriate English public signs also will prove that China is competent to establish a nice international language environment. A nice international language environment is indispensable to an international metropolis. English public signs, a constituent of the international language environment, also can reveal the level of a country or a city’s civilization and modernization. 

But in fact, C-E public signs translation is not so pleasing. According to a survey done by C-E signs research center, only 28.2% western tourists will use public signs as their guide, which take the lowest proportion  in all the four guides including maps, tourists guides, asking native speakers and public signs. So it is more urgent and important to improve the quality of C-E public signs translation to perfect our international language environment, to encourage the English-speakers to turn to the convenient public signs willingly.

The application of public signs has a long history, and they are playing an important role in the course of social, culture, and economic development in each nationality all over the world. Nowadays they have become more and more perfect, covering a large using range, owning unique characteristics, playing different roles in daily life. However, C-E public signs translation, a component of the international language environment, which is also significant, is not as satisfactory as expected. 源'自:吹冰]'论-文'网"]www.chuibin.com