Multilingualism in Hong Kong City Edge: A Mixed Method Study on Linguistic Landscape in Stanley

Abstract

In the last few decades, there has been a surge of interest in the interdisciplinary study of linguistic landscape (LL), since LL has been viewed as the junction of sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, social psychology, geography, and media studies. However, little is known about the role of non-linguistic features and the dynamism within a LL. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the multilingualism phenomena in Hong Kong revealed by LLs in Stanley using a mixed method approach. The result revealed that (1) all the official LLs were fixedly represented in Chinese and English (two official languages of Hong Kong); (2) foreign languages were found in non-official LLs for emblematic and tourism functions. Moreover, two types of relationship were found between the linguistic part and the non-linguistic part, (1) complementary and commercial relationship as well as (2) mutual translational relationship. The implications were three-fold. Theoretically, this study generated fresh insights into the interaction between linguistic and non-linguistic parts on LLs. Methodologically, mixing quantitative analysis and critical discourse analysis achieved a methodological triangulation, and further led to a comprehensive understanding. Practically, LL proves its value in English instruction due to its authenticity, dynamism, and easy accessibility.