Foreign-language-only signs linger in Da Nang despite city order

Local authorities on July 16 instructed communes and wards to urgently inspect and rectify signs and advertising boards using foreign languages in breach of regulations, following a report by Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper.

However, little has changed in An Hai Ward, where foreign-language-only signs remain widespread along several tourist streets.

On Duong Dinh Nghe Street alone, more than 30 businesses were found displaying signs without Vietnamese, with English, Korean, or Chinese used exclusively.

Similar violations were seen on Ho Nghinh, Ha Dac, and Ha Bong Streets.

Some newly installed signs also prominently feature foreign languages, while Vietnamese, if included, appears in much smaller lettering or in less noticeable positions.

Ha Dao Phu, manager of a barbershop on Duong Dinh Nghe Street, said the business caters mainly to South Korean tourists and therefore uses only Korean and English on its sign.

He said he was unaware that Vietnamese lettering is required to be larger than foreign-language text.

Meanwhile, authorities have stepped up inspections in neighboring Ngu Hanh Son Ward, prompting many businesses to replace or modify their signs.

Local authorities said inspections in the An Thuong tourist area and nearby streets had uncovered 56 cases of improper foreign-language use on signs and advertisements.

They also found three cases in which accompanying advertising content failed to comply with regulations despite the business name matching registration records.

Common violations included signs containing only foreign languages, foreign text placed above or displayed larger than Vietnamese, sign content inconsistent with business registration certificates, and expired advertising boards that had not been removed.

As per regulations, the main content on the signboard must be in Vietnamese. If an abbreviation, international business name or foreign-language wording is used, it must be placed below the Vietnamese text.

The foreign-language lettering on signs must not exceed three-quarters the size of the corresponding Vietnamese text.

Businesses that deliberately fail to comply, delay corrective measures, or repeat violations could face administrative penalties and forced removal of their signs.

Da Nang has asked for stricter inspections in areas popular with international visitors, including Hai Chau, An Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Son Tra, Hoi An, Hoi An Dong, and Hoi An Tay.