There is a new play opening on Broadway that should appeal to any of us who have struggled with communication and language skills while traveling, living and working in other countries. The play is called “Chinglish” and tells the story of a businessman from America who is attempting to set up a business and make his fortune in the city of Guiyang in southwest China.
So what is Chinglish? How well do you speak Chinglish? Take a look at the following phrases seen on signs and see if you can interpret what they mean before watching the video!
- The siren Lies
- Be mindful of the juicy surfaces!
- We will not subjugate to the naked!
- The fowl can’t eat!
- Penetration will be dealt with painfully!
Today and as you go through the weekend, think about communication in all it’s wonder – the humor, the challenges, the ways we communicate. And if you get a chance, learn to speak a little Chinglish!
Readers – here is a weekend challenge! Guess the meaning of the following three phrases and put them in the comment section. On Monday – I’ll post the answers!
- Beware of Missing Foot!
- Chicken Rude and Unreasonable (seen on a menu)
- Execution in Progress!
(Attention readers! See the second video clip or the bottom of the post for the answers!)
- False Alarm!
- Slippery when wet!
- No shirt, no shoes, no service!
- Don’t feed the birds!
- Trespassers will be prosecuted!
Related articles
- Theater Review: ‘Chinglish,’ by David Henry Hwang, at Longacre Theater – Review (theater.nytimes.com)
- Understanding Chinglish (bbc.co.uk)
- VIDEO: ‘Chinglish’ play breaks barriers (bbc.co.uk)
Marilyn R. Gardner 