One of the most consistently entertaining things about living in a country that doesn't speak English is the English. The signs are sometimes so funny that you can't believe someone didn't catch it before it made it to the printing room. Bad English is everywhere in Korea: on t-shirts, on posters, on TV, in songs, in movies, in national parks, on official monuments, in government pamphlets, you get the picture. Once a friend of mine sat across from a couple on the KTX wearing couple t-shirts that had arrows pointing to the partner with the words "loves the cock". When he asked to take a photo of them, they smiled and gave the classic "victory" sign. There's gotta be some victory in there somewhere.
So, as an English teacher, should I be concerned about all of this bad English infiltrating the minds and culture that I am there to nurture, right?
Nope.
I just take photos of it.
Where is the best of the worst English you've encountered?
I bought a foot file from Daiso (Japanese dollar store) here in Vancouver, and on the back they had translated the instructions into English, and it went on and on about using the file to "rub the horny".
ReplyDeleteI also saw a Taco Time sign that said 'Come Feel A Little Mexican'.....well....that can be taken in more than one way, haha.
Love your blog, Kerri!
Internal Clinic was one I had a hard time comprehending haha.I actually enjoy how Korea is like this. It entertains me in a really positive way. I think Korea would loose its unique quality by correcting all these signs.
ReplyDeleteHaha. I loved coming across these great signs! This is the best one I saw during my time in Korea!
ReplyDeletehttp://spencerbing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Korean-English.jpg
Haha, oh my gosh! Taking photos of funny English signs became a hobby of mine while I was living in Korea. One of the best ones I came across was at a bar and it read, "hansomguy & sexy girl. cheap alchol."
ReplyDeleteall of these belong to ielts vocabulary
ReplyDeleteI would have never thought to take these photos. But it was amusing to see them. Thanks for sharing!
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