Abstract
ABSTRACTThis article looks at the role and meaning of street signs in Brunei Darussalam with a focus on the use of English. The linguistic landscape of one of the main streets in the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, has been analysed. What is immediately noticeable is a high level of diversity, with three languages in common use (Malay, English and, to a lesser extent, Chinese), written in three different scripts (Roman, Arabic and Chinese characters). Even though Malay is the only official language in the country, English has a strong presence in the linguistic landscape. English as the international language related to glamour and economic success seems to enjoy higher prestige than Malay, the language most closely related to nationhood and Malayness. In addition, English appears to play an interesting role as an impartial and neutral language, accepted and promoted by Malays and non‐Malays as well as the Brunei government.
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