Photography:
Slideshow Keeping it simple Charlie Scott
Slideshow This sign really gets my goat Charlie Scott
Slideshow Maybesafertosticktobottledwater Charlie Scott
Slideshow Working overtime Charlie Scott
Slideshow And don't fall off the wagon Charlie Scott
Slideshow That seems like a fair enough request Charlie Scott
Slideshow A helpful reminder to take it easy when you're on vacation in India Charlie Scott
Slideshow Incense advertising writ large on a wall Charlie Scott
Slideshow A giant hand-painted Bollywood billboard Charlie Scott
Slideshow Merchant Ivory Productions: long known for polished & poetic films, less so their signs Charlie Scott
Slideshow Covering all the bases Charlie Scott
Slideshow Some good old fashioned frankness Charlie Scott
January 20 2012
Trip Planning

Won in Translation

By Charlie Scott

Asia, India

CultureQuirky

There are a lot of reasons to fall madly in love with India. It's a land of ridiculous cultural and historic depth. The optimism and spirituality of the people is captivating. And it sure is gorgeous.

But I've always been smitten with what's written. India has a way with signage that's unlike anywhere else I know. It could be the juxtaposition of playful and poetic Hindi characters with crisp and familiar English lettering that you see on many signs. Or it might be the direct translations that are so polite and concise they move the whole message into the realm of mirth. Maybe it's the fabulous colouring or chaotic assemblage of many, many signs into mini, mini spaces. Whatever it is, when the writing is on the wall I love it.

Charlie Scott can be found wandering Toronto with his camera, desperately seeking signage as intriguing as India's.

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