To enhance Beijing's role as an international exchange center and an international metropolis, the 59th Executive Meeting of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality held on February 12, 2020 reviewed and adopted Beijing Municipal Regulations on the Management of Public Signs in Foreign Languages. The Regulations was issued through a government decree on March 18 and will enter into force on July 1, providing the basis for the management of the foreign language signs in the city's public areas.
The Regulations has the following characteristics:
First, it is consistent with national laws. In strict accordance with the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language, the names and information displayed in public places shall use standard Chinese characters. Public signs in a foreign language shall not be used alone. The use of foreign language for public signs shall be correct and consistent with the national and municipal standards in this area, the generally accepted language rules and international norms.
Second, it meets the practical needs of international interactions and services. Operators and managers of public places may erect and use foreign language signs based on their own needs of communication and service provision. Those who erect the public signs should see that such signs are translated into foreign languages in the right way. Foreign language signs should be lawful, meet due standards, serve their purposes and be gracious.
Third, it combines general rules and clear priorities. While establishing general standards for the erection and use of foreign language signs, the document emphasizes six types of public areas where foreign language signs must be set up and used, including emergency shelters; civil airports, train stations and urban rail transit stations; venues where major international events are held and hotels where their visitors stay; venues where international sporting events and international exhibitions are held; communities in which foreigners reside; cultural and sports venues, tourist sites and other important public venues.
Fourth, it places equal stress on management and service. The document specifies the foreign language sign management system and inter-departmental coordination and cooperation mechanism, the respective duties and responsibilities of the government, foreign affairs departments, law enforcement department for urban management, and supervisory departments in different sectors. It also contains specific rules on the expert panel that provides professional guidance, volunteer services, the launch of an online information service platform, local standard setting and improvement, and facilitation of public complaints. It stipulates legal liabilities when foreign language signs are used alone, are not set up where they should, are not in compliance with the standards, or otherwise violate the law.
Regulating the erection and use of foreign language signs in public areas is important for building a world-class metropolis that is harmonious and livable, and for improving the city's role as an international exchange center. Beijing has made substantial progress in improving the international language environment in recent years. Notable achievements in this area include forming the organizing committee and expert panel for the Beijing Speaks Foreign Languages Program, being the first Chinese city that enacted such local standards as English Translation of Public Signs (2006) and English Translation of Organization Names and Professional Titles: General Principles (2008). It has also launched the website for the Beijing Speaks Foreign Languages Program to promote national and local standards and guidelines concerning the use of foreign languages, facilitate the search for information and improve public services in this area. The promulgation of the Regulations has laid the legal basis for the management of foreign language signs, and will further optimize Beijing's targeted and law-based administration.
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Click to view Beijing Municipal Regulations on the Management of Public Signs in Foreign Languages
