15-WM203-OG-11
Linguistic Landscape focuses on the use of written language in public spaces. It is a branch of sociolinguistics. At the onset, it focused on the language vitality of linguistic minorities as expressed through the use of minority languages on public and commercial signs. Now it offers a comprehensive overview of the use and function of different languages in different contexts, such as tourism, restaurants, conflict zones, refugee centres, street protests. The early studies were mainly quantitative, counting the number of signs in different languages. Now researchers moved towards a more general semiotic analysis going beyond language and into other semiotic codes, such font type and size, or the use of colours and symbols. One of the important aspects today is the sign emplacement, that is where was the sign installed, what other signs or landmarks can you find in the vicinity. The nature of the signs has also changed from the official information boards and commercial signs and includes posters, protest banners, inscriptions on T-shirts, tattoos and street art.
- Nauczyciel: Małgorzata Fabiszak