The Wechat Mini Program "English Translations of Public Signs in Guangzhou" (广州公共场所英文标识) was launched on July 28. It is an upgraded version of the original mini program developed by the Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) in 2018 to invite the public to correct English sign translation.

The new version is equipped with the standard for English translations of public signs so that users could search for standards before offering suggestions on misspelt English. In addition, the platform enables staff to locate the signs through the video uploaded by the users, which will be more convenient for the following-up process.

The QR code of the WeChat mini program "English Translations of Public Signs in Guangzhou"

According to Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office, 8796 users have registered on the program by July 27 and they have uploaded 1588 applications for correction. They helped correct 1048 misspelled English on the city's public signs. Users will earn credits through their participation and can win gifts with the credits.

Killian Hollo, a Sports Medicine Clinician from USA, who has been in Guangzhou for 3 years, said Guangzhou has done a good job in the English sign translation but it could improve through formalizing the language. "For example, 'mind your head' is easy for native English speakers to understand, but 'be careful of your head' might be proper for people from Russia, Africa, South America and other countries."

In addition, Killian Hollo hopes Guangzhou could have more English translations in public areas and offer more bilingual documents in public services as the city is becoming more international and home to more foreign residents.

Author: Natalie (intern)

Editor: Nan, Jasmine, Jerry