Editor's Note: Is it funny if strangers from other countries mock our attempts to help them on their travels? What are your thoughts on Chinglish? And do you think it's reasonable to expect non-English speaking countries to have perfect English on their public signage? Forum readers share their opinions and you are welcome to add yours.
BlondeAmber (Ireland)
Countries in Europe make sure translations in public places are linguistically correct if there are multilingual signs, and are hastily fixed if they are wrong. It is a matter of respect. China wants to appear international and to those who don't speak English I am sure it does. To the rest it is just laziness not getting things right and slightly contemptuous of foreigners. I would call it a 'back-handed compliment.'