CAN WE TRUST OUR FRIENDS – AUTOMATIC TRANSLATION SERVICES (USING MOSCOW LINGUISTIC LANDSCAPE AS AN EXAMPLE)?

Abstract

The city‘s linguistic landscape is an important component of the urban landscape. It is a system of symbolic signs that distinguish one city from another. The linguistic landscape reflects the historical development of the city, its anthropogeographical characteristic. This means, that the linguistic landscape is a unique cultural phenomenon. Currently, the linguistic landscape is becoming an object of study in social and cultural studies, linguistics and other disciplines. In this article, we analyze it in terms of translation. In 2019, Russia and China have celebrated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The cultural exchanges between Russia and China are on the rise with bilateral large-scale events being held regularly all over the two countries. Moscow sees more and more signs at mass transit stations, around business centers and tourists attractions being translated into Chinese. This brings a special charm to the historical city. The study analyzes bilingual materials from Moscow sightseeing attractions, train stations, airports, business districts, educational institutions. The ratio of correctly and incorrectly translated information is calculated, problems of translation are analyzed and options for improving the quality of translation and strategies for improving the linguistic landscape are proposed. A secondary analysis of the collected materials is also made in order to identify the most frequently used translation programs, assess the quality of translation, which may be of interest to translators from Chinese and into Chinese in terms of maintaining their professional level, as well as rational use of those favorable conditions provided by the digital era.