A Happy Giral’s Introduction to Aisan (Mis)spelling

November 23, 2010

Shanghai is undoubtedly one of mainland China’s most advanced cities. The public transportation system is clean and efficient. Many successful businessmen and professionals choose to work here. The streets are teeming with upscale restaurants, hotels, and bars (after all, the city is crowded with foreign tourists and residents; when outsiders pack their belongings, they tend to include a demanding level of standards with their Tums and hand sanitizer).

These traits lead many to the conclusion that this city simply isn’t “real” China. It is too progressive, too immaculate, too convenient. There are too many outlets for Western cravings and English speaking. And not that many people use the sidewalk as a bathroom.

This may very well be true. Nevertheless, Shanghai has one quirk that is a blatant reminder of its geographical location: it has yet to master the art of translation. Chinglish is everywhere.

It’s in restaurants…

Aisan food, yum!

… and storefronts.

This "Come in to make your own baby!" advertisement seems to take Chinese hospitality a little too far.

On school supplies…

Happy Giral notebooks for happy giral students

… on clothing …

A Mcikye Mouse sweatshirt

Bolce & Gabama, among the most luxurious of Italian brands

… and, most frequently, on public signs.

In the lines to enter the World Expo, the rule is polite sharing and no challenging.

Please, don't frolicr or crowd by the waterfront.

When climbing a pagoda, it's always important to take care of your Head...

...and mind your stairs.

Which one is it - east or west?

A lesson for all citizens of the world: Kindly treat the virescence around in the way life is treated.

When walking in a public park, remember that your health rests with your civilized behavior.

Whew. A fun dazzle toilet definitely sounds better than a squatter!

Yes, in spite of all its contemporary attributes, Shanghai continues to be peppered with a heavy dose of typos. While studying Mandarin has enabled me to understand the thought processes behind some of the phrasing, I’m still often left completely baffled and amused. Has anyone ever frolicred? What the hell is a fun dazzle toilet?

Apparently, the city doesn’t exactly see the humor in the mistakes: last week, it assigned a 200-member foreign volunteer team with the responsibility of correcting public linguistic errors. However, I’m not sure why the government has decided to prioritize signage above other potential areas for improvement. I can easily list several other steps that could be taken to more effectively welcome and impress foreigners (Traffic laws, anyone? And whatever happened to the anti-spitting campaign?)

Moreover, I can’t help but feel a strong sense of disappointment when I think about a grammatically-perfect walk through Shanghai’s future streets. The omnipresent Chinglish is an endearing part of the local and national culture. Not only do the wordings makes me smile (I challenge you to maintain your composure when passing a store’s invitation to “come inside and make a baby”); they also remind me that I’m not alone in my struggle to master a foreign language.

All I can do is hope that the recently hired volunteers will channel their inner teachers, and put off their “homework” corrections for as long as possible.