What does that ministry do?

gzlaser

PEOPLE have been discussing the English translation of Jiaotong Bu. The standard version is \"Ministry of Communications\". Many people are wondering whether this might confuse foreigners.

Some sharp-eyed readers have found a similar problem with Jiaotong Yinhang, or Bank of Communications, in English. This bank was established in 1907.

In the case of Ministry of Communications, some suggest that it be changed to \"Ministry of Transportation\" or \"Ministry of Transport\", which are common in many foreign countries. In the US, it's \"Department of Transportation\"; in the UK, it's \"Department for Transport\".

The problem here is the definition of \"communications\". These days it doesn't much convey the earlier meaning of \"transportation\". It is mostly the science (or action) of transmitting information via electronic media. This has to do with communications technology, or telecommunications. Although it can also refer to interpersonal connections.

But if we make it the Ministry of Transportation, we run into another problem. The Jiaotong Bu is only responsible for roadways and waterways. So, this would come in conflict with the Ministry of Railways or the General Administration of Civil Aviation, both of which deal with transportation.

So far, we have racked our brains but have failed to come up with a suitable substitute for \"communications\". Of course, the Chinese government could just combine the Jiaotong Bu and Tiedao Bu into one Ministry of Transportation. 21ST