Funny Chinese signs should playfully look at gaps in communication and the art of translation.
Funny Chinese signs refer to signs written in Chinese characters that have awkward or inaccurate translations in English, which make them amusing to English speakers. For example, a sign in Chinese characters with the words "Carefully slip and fall down" is a classic example of an oversight in translation. Funny Chinese signs are not meant to mock or deride another culture; rather, such signs showcase gaps in understanding and find humor in the task of communicating in a foreign language. When it comes to making your own funny Chinese signs, your best bet is to recreate actual signs.
Instructions
1. Visit websites such as Asia Insider Photos or You Can Be Funny and visit the links that show funny Chinese signs. Right click on the ones you like best and save them to your desktop.
2. Print the funny signs that you've saved to your desktop, making sure to change the ratios so that when they print, they'll blow up to a full page.
3. Cut out the letters and characters from the sign with an artist's blade. You now have stencils from authentic Chinese signs to use in making your own signs.
4. Paint your pieces of cardboard or wood in your base color and allow them to dry for at least two to four hours. Place your stencils centered on each piece of cardboard or wood. Secure them with painter's tape.
5. Spray your stencils onto your blank signs with spray paint, holding the can 10 to 12 inches away from the sign. Remove the stencils before allowing the signs to dry.
