English language experts say that, with the 2008 Olympics less than 500 days away, there is still a long way to go before standard English translations of the names of dishes and drinks sold in Beijing restaurants can be finalized. Garbled and misleading English signs in tourist spots have long confused English speakers in Beijing. Problems range from obscure abbreviations, word-for-word translations of Chinese characters into English, improper omissions and misspellings. But what confuses them even more are English menus in Beijing restaurants. However, not everyone agrees with the need to standardize everything. "Weird and wonderful English on Beijing menus...
