Language In Public Space Research Articles

Intimate Language in Traditional Markets: Challenging Public Space Norms through Kristeva’s Intertextuality

The use of intimate language in public spaces is a phenomenon that emerges in the interactions of economic actors in traditional markets. Therefore, language intimacy deconstructs social norms that should not be displayed in public spaces. However, language intimacy has emerged in traditional markets for a long time in the interactions of economic actors, including sellers, buyers, porters, parking attendants, and the social gathering community. This research explores how intimate language is articulated in an economic space closely related to the ethnic identity of economic actors in traditional markets in the Jember region. The ethnic diversity in question includes Javanese, Madurese, Chinese/Chinese, and Arab. This phenomenon was researched qualitatively using a post-structuralist approach and applying Julia Kristeva's theory of intertextuality. Data analysis uses two Kristeva concepts, namely intertextuality and suprasegmental. The data is processed by looking at the text production process originating inside and outside the text. The research results show that the intimacy of language, usually used in the private sphere, has succeeded in breaking down the rigidity of language in the public sphere, besides dissolving social relations between economic actors with various ethnicities and social classes. Thus, the use of greetings in intimate language closely related to ethnic identity is experiencing development and merging with the space of familiarity and closeness built by economic actors in traditional markets.

Role of Tourism in Preservation and Support of Minority Languages: Russian and Global Context

This article explores the role of tourism in the preservation and support of minority languages in Russia, focusing on the Karelian, Tatar, and Buryat languages. The study is framed within the methodological scope of language commodification research, language landscape, and language economy. Fieldwork data from Tatarstan, Karelia, and Buryatia in 2021, 2022, and 2024, as well as findings from other researchers, form the basis of this investigation. The article highlights the uneven use of minority languages as a tool for ethnographic branding from region to region. The authors conclude that minority languages exist in the language landscape through the naming of various realities, from toponyms to gastronomic terms, serving ethnographic branding and symbolic functions by providing specific words and morphemes. Contrary to expectations, tourism does not contribute to an increase in the number of speakers of minority languages or their use in discourse, both in Russia and globally. However, the increased presence of these languages in public spaces, including for marketing purposes, indirectly enhances their prestige and aids in their normalization.

VARIASI BAHASA DALAM LANSKAP LINGUISTIK DI KEBUN BINATANG SURABAYA

Linguistic landscape is a linguistic study that examines the use of language in public spaces. Language variation is defined as a form of language use that is different from a speaker. The emergence of language variations is motivated by the existence of a multilingual and multicultural society in Indonesia. This research aims to describe the use of language variations, language contestation, the function of these languages ​​and the sign-making linguistic landscape at the Surabaya Zoo. This research method uses descriptive qualitative with observation and photography data collection techniques. The data obtained is in the form of images containing language signs of the linguistic landscape. The research results found seven language variations at the Surabaya Zoo with three monolingual language variations, two bilingual language variations, and two multilingual language variations. The linguistic landscape sign makers at the Surabaya Zoo are from public and private authorities/individuals. The function of the linguistic landscape at the Surabaya Zoo namely, as a marker for buildings and rooms; as a medium of guidance and information; as a medium of prohibition and warning; as well as as a medium for distributing advertising. Keywords: linguistic landscape, language variations, surabaya zoo.

Japanese] toilets are not garbage cans

Abstract Traditional linguistic landscape research focuses on the diversity, vitality, and structure of languages in public spaces. However, this study takes a critical lens and examines how certain multilingual signage reflects the normalised, harmful ideologies which target minorities in Japan. The study reveals examples of punitive multilingualism, highlighting the information disparities between languages in public signage found in Aichi, Hokkaido, and on the Internet. The paper discusses instances of discriminatory public signage, including online advertisements, based on the premise that foreigners are unruly, and official government signage that appears to target foreigners. The study also delves into problematic instructions posted in public restrooms, showing how the presentation of language(s) can reinforce stereotypes and implicit bias. Through a critical analysis of multilingual signage, this study reveals the challenges and consequences of punitive multilingualism in the context of Japanese sociolinguistics.

Culturally Responsive Learning : Linguistic Landscape Study of MINHA Tebuireng Jombang, Indonesia

This study aims to explore the learning of various values through the MINHA Islamic linguistic landscape, the learning of exemplary values of figures through the linguistic landscape of MINHA figures, and the learning of multicultural communication from information boards and sign names. The research employed Linguistic Landscape Research with a qualitative approach. The linguistic data used in this study were obtained from images containing written text and videos providing information about Islamic history, figures, and guidelines. The data collection methods included observation and interviews. The findings revealed that three groups of linguistic features could serve as educational tools in MINHA, including linguistic features related to Islam, characters, and instructions for using MINHA and its facilities. The diverse values embedded in these linguistic features can enhance the effectiveness of learning by catering to students with varied backgrounds. The use of language in public spaces, such as in MINHA, constitutes a form of Linguistic Landscape, which may manifest as stickers on buildings in formal or informal settings. Linguistic Landscape (LL) serves as a tool to promote multilingualism and highlight the benefits of language.

Synergy of the young generation in prioritizing the use of Indonesian in public spaces

Indonesia is an archipelagic country with ethnic and linguistic diversity. Through the Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge), the Indonesian people agreed on Indonesian as a unified language to facilitate communication between people who have different local languages. However, in the current era of globalization, the existence of the Indonesian language is starting to be eroded. Many foreign languages are preferred in public spaces. Even though this is not in line with the mandate of the Indonesian constitution. Therefore, strengthening efforts are needed through the synergy of the younger generation in prioritizing the Indonesian language in public spaces through community service activities. This activity was carried out targeting the younger generation of 11th-grade students of SMA Negeri 1 Sungai Raya in Kubu Raya Regency as many as 30 people, through socio-political studies that focus on regulations and synergy. The forms of activity used in implementing this activity are in the form of giving a pre-test, giving material and face-to-face discussions accompanied by practice, and giving a post-test. The result of this activity is an increased understanding of the younger generation regarding the constitutional mandate of prioritizing the Indonesian language in public spaces through synergy between the younger generation and synergy between related actors such as the government, business sector, media, and academics.

On the functioning of the Law «On Languages in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)» in the city of Yakutsk (based on the results of the questionnaire on Articles 19-23, 33)

In modern times, the functioning of languages in public space requires state regulation, the main goal of which should be the preservation and development of multilingualism and support of minority languages. The national politics in the field of preservation and development of the languages of the peoples of the Russian Federation is based on the implementation of a number of measures at the legislative level. Russia adopted the Law “On the Languages of the Peoples of the Russian Federation”; its national republics have their own laws on languages regulating the functioning of languages on their territory. In Yakutia, on October 16, 1992, Law of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) No. 1170-XII “On languages in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)” was adopted, a study on the implementation of which became one of the projects of the state program of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) “Preservation and development of state and official languages in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for 2023.” The project “Monitoring the implementation and compliance with the requirements of articles of the Law on Languages in Yakutsk of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)” was proposed by the Department of Stylistics of the Yakut Language and Russian-Yakut Translation of the Institute of Languages and Culture of the North-East of the Russian Federation of the M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University. In order to implement the project, the department’s team developed a questionnaire on the articles of the Law “On Languages in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)” for two target audiences: specialists from organizations to whose work the articles of the Law are directly related, and the population. The purpose of the proposed work is to analyze the results of a survey conducted on articles 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 33 among specialists of organizations and the population of the city of Yakutsk. The study used statistical and descriptive methods, as well as data processing and analysis methods. The results of the study are structured as follows: first, the full text of the considered article of the Law “On Languages in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)” is presented, then an analysis of a survey among employees of the institution and the results of a survey among the population are presented, followed by recommendations for the implementation of the article of the Law.

From Bilingualism to Multilingualism: Mapping Language Dynamics in the Linguistic Landscape of Hispanic Philadelphia

This study explores the linguistic landscape (LL) of three Hispanic neighborhoods in Philadelphia, PA, aiming to document and measure the presence of the Spanish language in public spaces and understand the influence of time, location, and establishment type on language use. Based on 3437 signs analyzed from 2021 to 2023, our findings reveal that English dominates the LL at 61.65%, while Spanish constitutes 24.16%. The study employs chi-squared tests to confirm the impact of time and location on language use, highlighting a rise in bilingual and monolingual Spanish signs over time. Additionally, variables were combined into clusters using a heatmap to explore language use across different establishments. Bilingualism emerges as a sustained trend, underscoring inclusivity and linguistic diversity within these contexts. Location analysis exposes unique linguistic characteristics in each neighborhood, reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of their communities. The Golden Block exhibits bilingual prevalence, indicative of evolving demographics. Olney showcases language mixtures due to diverse ethnic and sociolinguistic influences, while South Philadelphia’s Italian Market area features prevalent Spanish and multilingual signage. The study underscores the growing presence of Spanish and minority languages, emphasizing the need to recognize and revitalize linguistic diversity in urban spaces. As cities evolve, continued exploration of the LL is crucial to understanding language dynamics in relation to identity, culture, and power.

Linguistic landscape and power representation at gas stations

Gas stations are hazardous, highly flammable public places. Thus, signs containing prohibitions, warnings, information, and road directions are needed to prevent catastrophes. This study aims to identify the linguistic system of the signs and describe the representation of power through the signs. The research site is gas stations in Semarang. This study uses observation methods in data collection by documenting, sorting, and classifying data using a national language, region, foreign, or both based on the linguistic system. Spolsky and Cooper's (1991) taxonomy of signs is used to classify the data. The categories are then examined further to reveal the embedded power relations. The results show that the linguistic landscape at the gas stations uses a monolingual system, Indonesian. This system demonstrates the gas station authorities' concern about prioritizing the state language in public spaces. Suggestions embedded in the signs do not explicitly represent power relations. However, they represent power by removing the subjects and objects on these signs. Texts of prohibitions and warnings should be created by involving more people so that the texts on the gas station LL can be more user-friendly.

Linguistic landscapes in multilingual urban settings: Insights from translation perspectives

A multilingual urban area is a translation space that allows the exchange of ideas across languages and cultures. Yet, little research has examined how translation plays a role in shaping linguistic landscapes that depict coexisting languages in public spaces. This paper aims to examine the linguistic landscape of public signage from the viewpoint of translation. A total of 123 bilingual signage was collected from the linguistic landscape of Gorontalo City, an emerging tourism industry with an interesting multilingual setting in Eastern Indonesia. The data were analyzed using the translation category of multilingual writing developed by Reh (2004) and Edelman (2010) to provide an understanding of the translational practice evident in the signage. The analysis also looked at the direction of the translated signage, including official and non-official translation based on the linguistic landscape orientation (top-down and bottom-up), as well as translation to demonstrate collective identity. Translation practices, categorized into word-for-word (67 items), free (8 items), partial (11 items), and non-translation (37 items), demonstrate a growing trend toward linguistic diversity. The top-down approach is evident in official translations (50 items) by government entities, while non-official translations (73 items) dominate commercial spaces. Arabic, displayed alongside Indonesian and English, symbolizes religious identity in public signage. Overall, Gorontalo’s linguistic landscape reflects a shift to bilingualism, particularly with widespread English translations. Its linguistic landscape showcases a dynamic interplay of language, translation, and cultural identity in an evolving urban environment.

Language Dynamics and their Influence in Zambia’s Political Discourse

Abstract Purpose – A world with an increasing number of questions needs people willing to contribute solutions. The fulcrum of this study is centred on assessing the language dynamics and impact of the English language hegemony over local languages in the social, political, and economic life of the Zambian population. The study gleans on the implications of English hegemony and its concomitant colonial undertones and effects particularly on marginalised groups. Notably, the study provides a critical and reflexive development study analysis that eschews the norm: this approach – leaning towards the developmental interests of indigenous and local constellations – enables a rethink of who really benefits from language policies and politics, allowing for a repositioning of who in fact the language development paradigm is for. Method of Enquiry/Design – Data were collected through an analysis of both latent and extant literature derived from a variety of scholarly sources on language dynamics and imperial notions associated with domineering languages. This approach of navigating through a juxtaposed pool of scholarly works provided a confluence of propositions that informed the study’s inferences, particularly by highlighting the subtleties embedded in the English language hegemony. Most significantly, the themes are also informed by this author’s own personal field anthropological observations; having been born and grown up in Zambia under this same hegemonic English language environment. Findings – The study finds that language regimes that put English above local languages (as is the case in Zambia) have enormous ramifications on the education and emancipatory objectives of locals, especially the marginalised groups. For instance, women are burdened in the sense that they must – in addition to the confronts associated with the imposition of the English language – also struggle to navigate the already challenging patriarchy terrains that are rooted in the Zambian cultural and political settings. Imposing additional inequalities makes the attainment of societal development goals a tall order to achieve. The study concludes that to redress this situation, the local educational curriculum needs to be re-designed and aligned to respond to the aspirations and context of local constellational demands. Also, Black consciousness as an ideology framed in liberation philosophy needs to be re-energised as a pathway towards a society free from systematic foreign oppression; this is the only way that sustainable development could be attained in Zambia. Originality/Value – The study exposes the prevalent fallacy – especially by Western institutions – that Zambians willingly seek out to learn the English language: To the contrary, the choice and acquisition of the English language is often a result of coercive circumstances. In contemporary Zambia, the English language is – to a greater extent – a means to an end; a means for survival in the modern environments that prioritise English language over any local language or local skill. In Zambia, the criteria for skill or intelligence are only seen through the prism of English language competency. Local initiatives and skills suffer stigma as they are perceived to be primitive, backwards, and redundant. English and ‘whiteness’ are seen as the ‘standard measure of goodness’. In fact, many white-collar job workers are ashamed of speaking their local languages in public spaces. In this context then, English in Zambia is not a luxury but a convenient necessity that allows local people to navigate other critical avenues of contemporary life. The study also lays bare the fact that the English language hegemony has brought about elements of distortion of ethnic identity particularly on how people can access their cultural rights. Furthermore, far from being a neutral language – English, in fact aids the entrenchment of neo-imperialist tendencies such as discrimination, exclusion, and subtle promotion of economic inequalities, and educational elitism.

Analisis Kesalahan Ejaan Bahasa Indonesia di Ruang Publik Rumah Sakit Dian Harapan Tahun 2022

Public space is a space or land owned by the public, a place for people to do activities, and a place to socialize. The use of the Indonesian language in public spaces is regulated in Law No. 24 of 2009 Article 38 that the Indonesian language must be used in public signs, road signs, public facilities, banners, and other information tools which are public services. This study aims to describe errors in the use of spelling and writing in foreign languages in the public spaces at Dian Harapan Hospital in 2022. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods that is to understand holistically phenomenon by using descriptions in the words and language's form. The data collection method used in the research are observation and documentation of photos and pictures taken from public spaces at Dian Harapan Hospital on August 2002. Based on the research on 50 photos/images of signs in the public space at Dian Harapan Hospital, 2 errors were found in the use of capital letters, 30 errors in writing abbreviations, 1 error in writing prepositions, 1 error in writing numbers, 4 errors in writing commas, 1 error in writing slash marks, and 12 errors in writing exclamation marks. The spelling errors in the public space at Dian Harapan Hospital occured due to a lack of knowledges about spelling rules (EYD V) and the absence of strict and real punishments on the errors and violations in using the language in the public spaces.

Ukrainian in public space: examples from Poland and Germany (2022–2023)

This paper explores the presence of the Ukrainian language in Poland and Germany. Language in public space is the subject of numerous studies, and different questions are in its foreground, among which multilingualism analysis enjoys particular popularity. In this study, we follow the theory of semiotic landscapes, which is about evaluating a language in interaction with other (visual) impressions. Some theoretical approaches are presented before selected examples of the use of Ukrainian in Poland and Germany are documented. In both countries, the material which forms the corpus for the study was collected in the period from February 2022 up to March 2023, including some boards with inscriptions in Ukrainian that can be found at railway stations in Poland and Germany and at the Warsaw airport. These inscriptions are important for the refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine since 2022, be-cause they facilitate a lot their orientation abroad. Methodologically, the study focuses on the evaluation of representative samples from this corpus by applying a nexus analysis, which is about combining different analytical perspectives with each other, including sociolinguistics, conversation analysis, critical discourse analysis, and other components. New insights are driven from the intersections of the analyzed components. Grounded on the nexus analyses, this paper proposes a typology of selected examples, which reveal common aspects, but also significant differences between sign boards in Ukrainian met in Poland and in Germany.

Penggunaan Bahasa pada Perkembangan Industri Pariwisata di Surabaya: Studi Kasus Objek Wisata Museum Sepuluh Nopember

The tourism industry in Surabaya has had to adapt to the changing times marked by the entry of foreign languages into Indonesia. The phenomenon of the use of foreign languages in public spaces is often a problem. For that reason, this article was written based on research conducted to analyze the use of language and writing skills in Indonesian and foreign languages in one of the branches of tourism in Surabaya, namely Museum Sepuluh Nopember. This research is qualitative descriptive in nature using primary data from direct data sources, namely the utilization of indonesian in the tourism industry of Museum Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya. Data collection is done by documentation and observation method. In addition, the analytical method used is descriptive qualitative. Based on the analysis that has been done, the use of Indonesian in the Museum Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya tourism industry is not optimal. There are still several formats for the using and spelling of Indonesian and foreign languages that need to be corrected according to regulations of language institutions and the law on language use.

Tibetan in the linguistic landscape of Xining (Qinghai Province, Amdo Tibet, Northwest China): a minority language in the context of a monolingual language policy and in a non-autonomous area

ABSTRACT This paper explores the presence of the Tibetan language in the linguistic landscape of Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province in Northwest China. Qinghai constitutes the main part of Amdo, one of the historical and cultural regions of greater Tibet. The majority of the inhabitants of Xining are Han Chinese (the major ethnic group in China), and a small percentage are from minorities, mainly Tibetans and Hui (Chinese-speaking Muslims). This city is characterised by intense economic and infrastructural development and attracts people from different areas of the province. The research is based on photographs of public signs that display the Tibetan language gathered between 2017 and 2022. The paper analyses the language choices, content, and visual elements of the signs and discusses the different uses of Tibetan signs in Xining. Moreover, it explores the use of the Tibetan language in public space in light of the current language policies and language ideologies in China, particularly in the Amdo region.

Landscape Variation: Language Policy in Public Space in Makassar City

Prioritize Indonesian, Master Foreign Languages, Preserve Regional Languages ​​is a mandate from Law No.24/2009 which indicates that as Indonesians we are encouraged to use the unified language in public spaces and communications. The problem in this study is how to use the form and function of the language landscape used in naming roads, apartments, hotels and places to eat/drink in the city of Makassar, so this study aims to describe the form and function of the language landscape used. This research is a qualitative descriptive research. The data in this study are street names, apartments, hotels and places to eat/drink in public spaces in the city of Makassar. The collection of research data was carried out using observation, reading, recording, and data classification techniques. Research data were analyzed using qualitative data analysis techniques using an objective approach. The results of the study show that variations in the language landscape based on language policies in public spaces in the city of Makassar consist of 8 types, namely Indonesian, Bugis, Makassarese, other foreign languages, Indonesian and Makassar languages, Indonesian and Bugis languages, Bugis languages ​​and Indonesian languages. Makassar, English and Indonesian. Based on the findings, it is suggested that the participation of all policy holders is urgently needed so that Indonesian and regional languages ​​are not dominated by English and other languages. Apart from that, the awareness of the Indonesian people needs to be built to prioritize the Indonesian language, and to preserve regional languages ​​in terms of naming in public spaces.

Investigating the opportunities and challenges for African languages in public spaces: an introduction

ABSTRACT This introduction to the Special Edition provides a rationale for the inclusion of the selected articles. We begin with a consideration of various factors that led to the marginalisation of African languages, including the hegemony of English, colonialism and ensuing language policies that still hold today. Such policies proclaimed languages exogenous to the continent as official languages for formal public discourses, including the education domain. This led to the low visibility of indigenous languages in such domains. European missionaries also contributed to this by imposing Western linguistic frameworks on the continuum of African languages such that they became separate, named and bounded, which is counter-intuitive to the heteroglossic, multilingual realities of language use in African indigenous communities. We then examine the expanding role of African languages in response to technology, social media, globalisation and more responsive and dynamic language policies. The articles in this Special Edition cover language policy and language in education; language and identity negotiation in contexts of migration; language use on social media platforms; language and the workplace and language use in advertising. These contributions reveal that the multilingual reality of Africa’s language ecology is increasingly visible in many domains.

The Linguistic Landscape of Religious Tourism Destination in Bangkalan, Madura: Functions and Identity Representation

Languages in public spaces are one of the linguistic phenomena in society. This study examines the form of written language in public spaces in a particular religious tourism destination, namely Syaikhona Cholil mosque and Cemetery complex, in Bangkalan Regency, Madura, in terms of linguistic landscape (LL). This study examines the functions of each sign and its identity representation. The data are photographic evidence of language use in this area. There are several steps to collect data by identifying the LL, photographing LL to capture language issues in public spaces, classifying data based on their taxonomies, and classifying the use of language patterns, functions, and representations of identity. LL in this religious tourism destination is monolingual LL in which it only used Indonesian language, without using other languages, either ethnic language or foreign language. The functions of the LL are signs of information, signs of warning, appeal and prohibition, road signs, and building signs. The use of LL shows the identity as the unity Indonesian and the ownership or regulator of the destination. Although the place is in Madura, but there is no Madurese language used, Indonesian is the identity of the nation, which must be maintained and preserved. The use of LL in the area also shows the owner or the management team of the object that has the right to regulate its use.

Interpreting Linguistic Landscape Materials as a Part of Multilingual Education

Landscape materials are the tools for teaching languages and developing awareness to the teachers and students in a linguistically heterogeneous society. Multilingual landscapes can stimulate linguistic and metalinguistic talk about existence of multiple languages in the society among multilingual learners. Pokhara is a highly heterogeneous city with high probability of language diversity, where multilingualism is presented in different stimulated landscapes and discourses which provide resources of linguistic diversity on language learners and teachers. Qualitative visual interpretations of linguistic and nonlinguistic landscapes have been drawn from secondary level public school teachers as an intact cultural group considering the norms of ethnographic design. The findings are that the landscape materials are highly appreciable materials in language teaching in connection to business, local histories and cultures of the people with different linguistic backgrounds in a fragmented society. Awareness about languages in public spaces is indeed retrievable through the interpretations of monolingual and multilingual landscape materials. However, non-text based or non-lingual landscape materials are also helpful in cognitive and linguistic development and for cultural awareness among language learners and teachers.

Состояние сохранности ненецкого языка в Ненецком автономном округе: по материалам социологического исследования

The article presents the results of a sociological study conducted in 2022 in the city of Naryan-Mar, as well as in the villages of Nelmin Nos and Krasnoe of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Based on the results of interviews with specialists and experts in the field of the Nenets language, working in education and culture, as well as in the relevant executive authorities of the Okrug, conclusions about the preservation of the Nenets language in the region were made. Particular attention is paid to the respondents’ per-ceptions of such aspects of the language situation as the use of the Nenets language by different population groups in various spheres of life, intergenerational transmission, the presence of the language in public space and on the Internet, and the motivation of the population to learn and use the language. The study resulted in recommendations for the preservation of the Nenets language in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, taking into account the linguistic situation in the region, as well as Russian and foreign practices for the preservation of small languages. The following are proposed as priority areas of work: (1) organizing systematic work to preserve and improve the status of the Nenets language in the Okrug; (2) supporting workplaces, initiatives, organizations and individuals involved in the preservation of language and culture; (3) creating an attractive language environment, especially in the digital sphere (the Internet), with a focus on primary school children; (4) supporting communities, especially reindeer herding communities and agricultural production cooperatives, where the language is used and its intergenerational transmission is maintained.