The ban, reported Wednesday, was issued by the General Administration of Press and Publication, the governing body for written publications. It says the increasing use of English and half-English phrases is damaging the purity of the Chinese language and disrupting the nation’s “harmonious and healthy cultural environment.”

The ruling body leaves some room for English words and abbreviations to be used if they are immediately followed by a Chinese translation or explanation. It says translations should be consistent with basic translation principles and practices.