A set of fixed English translations for Chinese menus is being published by the Beijing Municipal Tourism Bureau.

The final draft, which has been partially revised after soliciting opinions from netizens and language experts, has been sent to the printers and would soon be recommended to restaurants across the country for their bilingual menus.

An official from the bureau said, ‘The proper English translations will not only provide convenience for foreigners coming to Beijing for the Olympics, but it will also improve the English of Chinese people.’

The new English translations for Chinese dishes was the work of a committee of 20 language experts and catering service managers.

The municipal government also plans to launch a training program to equip waiters and waitresses with knowledge of what the dish contains in case customers demand explanations. Beijing Tourism Bureau published a list of translations for 2,753 dishes and drinks online in August and asked for feedback.

Probably most upmarket restaurants will follow the guidelines. Which means slack Western journalists looking for an easy story will no longer be helped by mistakes on the menu.
Source: Window of China