3. Data description
The data to be analyzed are 30 pieces of mistranslated bilingual (Chinese and English) public signs----guideposts, slogans, names of institutions and enterprises, directing boards in stores, and words on common facilities, which are collected from buildings, shops, subways, expressways, common facilities, parks and railway stations in Beijing. Most of the target signs are taken from famous commercial district in Beijing, which are frequently visited by foreigners, such as Wangfujing Street（王府井）, Dashilan of Qianmen Area（前门大栅栏）, Silk Market（秀水街）, Andingmennei Street（安内大街）, and Haidian District（海淀）etc. Photos of these signs will be provided for authentication.

4. Data analysis
The listed public signs and their English translations will be analyzed and revised individually. Mistakes found on the translations will be pointed out. Types and causes of these mistakes will be summarized.

4.1. Linguistic problems
A “field survey” has been conducted on the English translation of Chinese public signs. It is convincing that linguistic problems are prevalent on the English translation of Chinese public signs, which at best confuse the target readers and at worst offend them. The main linguistic problems found on the English translation of public signs involve the following:
1. Inappropriate selection of words
2. Word for word translation
3. Redundancies
4. Inappropriate tone of speech