The Beijing translation campaign long marches on. Afraid that visiting Olympic tourists might try to order roast duck at Tongrentang or attempt to buy herbal viagra from the waitresses at Quanjude, the translation board has given six of Beijing’s oldest brands new English monikers. Sort of. Actually, what they did was use the old pinyin name, mention the product offered for sale, and tack on an approximate founding date for good measure.
Thus Quanjude is now known as “Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant–Since 1864″ and Tongrentang is now “Tongrentang Chinese Medicine–Since 1669.” Four other brands got a similar makeover, but I wonder: Why stop there? Some suggestions:
- “Old Guy on Jianguomenwai Pirated DVDs and ‘Roleks’ Watches–since 2001″
- “Tiαnαnmen Tank Repair and Wash–Since 1989″
- “Mao’s Family Tomb and Taxidermy Studio–Since 1976″
- “Pure Girl ‘Liquor’ and Underage Drinker Emporium–Since 2003. And 2004. And 2005. And 2006.”
- “Hutong Barbershop & Soapy Massage Relaxation Spa–Since the last time we got busted for forgetting to grease the local cops.”
More suggestions welcome. Please send them to:
“Granite Studio Chinese History, Punditry, and Adolescent Humor–Since 2005.”
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