Lingang Special Area called to improve bilingual services

Four political advisers called for a better bilingual language environment in the Lingang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone during the Two Sessions.

The core of the area's development lies in talent, and a supportive language environment is an important factor to attract foreign talent to the area, the proposal submitted by advisers said.

However, the English-Chinese bilingual language environment in the area is not satisfactory, particularly in the public service space, the proposal said.

In the Dishu Lake area, English information can be found at government organizations, banks, key enterprises and tourist attractions, but most public services like education and medical treatment lack English information, creating obstacles for foreigners, the proposal said.

Wrong translations such as "carefully slide" and spelling mistakes like "Wellcome" are commonly found in the area, the proposal said.

An overall plan for the area's language environment is suggested, with sites such as hospitals, service windows and road signage covered.

Bilingual versions of policy documents, maps, websites and bus stations should also be available, the proposal adds.

It also advised organizing expert teams including foreigners to correct misspellings and improper use of English in the area.