We've seen the goofy wording that can be produced when non-English speakers try to produce a sign in English. Yesterday's paper reports that the city of Beijing, preparing for the Olympics, is very concerned with such gaffes. "We don't want anyone laughing at us," says an official, as they make a major effort to clean them up.

Examples:

• outside toilets for the handicapped: "Deformed Man"
• on park laws: "Show Mercy to the Slender Grass"
• on hospital of proctology: "Dongda Hospital for Anus and Intestine Disease"
• meaning 'be careful, slippery': "To take notice of safe: The slippery are very crafty."
• on cigar shop: "Synchronizes Good Life of Gentlemen"
• restroom sign: "Genitl Emen".

The article mentions two websites collecting such things (chinglish.de and pocopico.com), and the on-line version includes a slideshow of signage.

That is funny! I love the concept of "sign police." I also liked the last quote: "Frankly, I prefer clean toilets to correct English." Amen!

quote:

on park laws: "Show Mercy to the Slender Grass"

This seems to be a quite poetic way to say "Keep off the Grass". I prefer this way, it fact.

My son just bought an office chair... made in China.
The note attached to the new owner said:

REMARKS!
Please find the screws
are included here!

(We did find the screws and remarked!)

That reminds me of a story in a newspaper I saw recently (so it must be true).

A man was trying to assemble a new lamp, watched by his four-year-old son, and was having problems understanding the instructions.
"Why don't we ask the people at the factory, Dad?" asked his son.
"Good idea, but it says here that it was made in China." said the father.
The boy pondered for a little while.
"I know! Let's ask the people in the Chinese restaurant on the corner!"