Signs in foreign languages
Many coastal roads in Son Tra and Ngu Hanh Son districts (Da Nang city) welcome thousands of domestic and international tourists every day. Many restaurants, hotels, and beauty shops are also densely built to serve the dining and shopping needs of tourists. Therefore, foreign language signs also appear in this area such as Vo Nguyen Giap, Nguyen Van Thoai, and Do Ba streets. There are even many shops in Son Tra and Ngu Hanh Son districts that do not appear in Vietnamese even though they are printed in 3 different foreign languages.
Mr. Nguyen Van Dong, owner of a business on Vo Nguyen Giap beach, reflected: "Many shops and restaurants in the city only have English or foreign languages to serve the shopping needs of tourists. However, it is necessary to add Vietnamese so that local people can consult and buy and sell."
According to locals, many restaurant signs are now written entirely in foreign languages. Therefore, many people have to look at the displayed items to know what the store sells.
In the context of international integration, foreign language advertising signs are appearing more and more, especially in developed cities like Da Nang. However, using signs in a completely foreign language is against the law on advertising management.
Inspect and handle businesses that violate advertising regulations.
Mr. Ha Vy - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture - Sports of Da Nang City informed: "Current advertising signs are designed in a variety of ways to serve the shopping, trading and living needs of people and tourists. However, the design of these signs must comply with regulations. In particular, priority must be given to the clearest and largest Vietnamese language, while other languages and foreign languages must follow certain regulations, positions and sizes."
According to Mr. Vy, the authorities are always inspecting, checking and reminding businesses and individual business households that let this situation happen. The Department of Culture and Sports of Da Nang City will remind and discipline businesses and households that violate the fields of culture and advertising. If necessary, administrative penalties will be imposed for not writing in Vietnamese but only in foreign languages on advertising signs.
Balancing Vietnamese and foreign languages on billboards not only makes it easier for international visitors to find information, but also maintains local pride and connection to the city.
