Linguistic landscape in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture: the Case of an ethnic minority region in China

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on the linguistic landscape (LL) of four towns along the rural-urban line in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, which is located in southwest China and is the main residence of the Yi ethnic minority group. In recent years, the status of the Yi language has been challenged by Han (Chinese Mandarin) and English both in the field of education and general society in Liangshan. Recognising this, the local government has issued a range of policies to revitalise the Yi language, including ensuring its use on public signage. The aim of this study is to explore the LL of Liangshan, which has not been looked at before, and the actual implementation of these signage policies. 1497 language signs were analysed, including commercial signs, government signs and public signs in four schools. The findings indicate that the visibility of the Yi language on public signage is closely related to the intensity of policy support. However, in order to make signage policies effective, a holistic approach is in need at both prefectural and regional levels, and in ‘micro spaces’ such as education spheres and workplaces.