Current Issues in Linguistic Landscapes

A special issue of Languages (ISSN 2226-471X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2021) | Viewed by 8066

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Language Studies, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
Interests: literacy; multilingualism; education; policy

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Guest Editor
Department of Cultures, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
Interests: Sámi studies; indigenous studies; multicultural encounters; ethnography; digital humanities

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Early research in the field of linguistic landscapes (LL) was primarily quantitative with a focus on which languages were represented in public spaces and how language representation in these spaces could be systematically described. Later, the field of LL, under interdisciplinary influences, developed methodologically towards the use of quantitative as well as qualitative methods such as ethnography, mixed methods, critical discourse analysis, etc. Today, the field is further developing and expanding not only to include written texts displayed in public spaces but also to include new definitions of languages like tattoos, smells, colors etc. 

Therefore, this special issue focuses both on the development of methods in documentation, analysis and visualization of linguistic landscapes and theories/results stemming from these methodologies. To date, research on linguistic landscapes has mainly focused on multilingual and multiethnic urban areas. Hence, we particularly welcome contributions that explore the linguistic landscapes of rural or less populated areas. Finally, we welcome theoretical or empirical papers discussing linguistic landscapes in the light of a global, digital, and mobile world.

The themes of this special issue include, but are not restricted, to the following: 

-Linguistic landscapes in sparsely populated areas

-Linguistic landscapes in Indigenous areas 

-Visualization of linguistic landscapes 

-Novel approaches to the study of linguistic landscapes

-Linguistic landscapes in a global, digital, and mobile era

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 400-600 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send it to the guest editors ([email protected]; [email protected]) or to Languages editorial office ([email protected]) by April 30, 2021. Abstracts will be reviewed by the guest editors for the purposes of ensuring proper fit within the scope of the special issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer-review.

The tentative completion schedule is as follows:

Abstract submission deadline: 30 April 2021

Notification of abstract acceptance: 30 June 2021

Full manuscript deadline: 31 October 2021

Prof. Eva Lindgren
Prof. Coppelie Cocq
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Languages is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • linguistic landscapes
  • ethnography
  • minority languages
  • multilingualism
  • mobile technologies

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 2278 KiB  
Article
Multilingualism in the North: From Baklava to Tre Kronor
by Coppélie Cocq, Lena Granstedt, Eva Lindgren and Urban Lindgren
Languages 2022, 7(2), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages7020124 - 18 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2057
Abstract
This article explores processes of place-making through the study of the linguistic landscape of a small-size town in Northern Sweden. The analysis of signs is used as a tool for examining the role and visibility of actors in the landscape. For this purpose, [...] Read more.
This article explores processes of place-making through the study of the linguistic landscape of a small-size town in Northern Sweden. The analysis of signs is used as a tool for examining the role and visibility of actors in the landscape. For this purpose, we examine who the authors are, what forms of multilingualism can be observed, and who has agency in the place-making of the public space. Our documentation consists of photos and fieldnotes from observations, encounters, and conversations with people during ethnographic fieldwork in 2019. Using a mixed-methods approach, all signs were first analysed quantitatively according to the categories of authors and function. Regression analysis was used to explore correlations between the categories. Secondly, multilingual signs were analysed qualitatively regarding their function and purpose in relation to their contexts. Our results illustrate a city centre with a strong presence of the Swedish language. Multilingual signs target specific groups and are intended for information, advertisement, rules and regulations; moreover, our findings indicate that the opportunities for private actors to influence the linguistic landscape are limited. The form of multilingualism in this context—visible multilingualism present mainly through English—is different from the one we can see in the socio-demographic data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Issues in Linguistic Landscapes)
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13 pages, 1930 KiB  
Article
Linguistic Landscapes in the Stockholm Archipelago—Producing and Reflecting a Sense of Place
by Väinö Syrjälä
Languages 2022, 7(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages7010037 - 15 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3116
Abstract
This article takes a look at the linguistic landscapes of the Stockholm archipelago with the aim to discuss if, and how, a specific sense of place is produced or reflected in the signs, building on Lefebvre’s concept of social spaces. Signs collected from [...] Read more.
This article takes a look at the linguistic landscapes of the Stockholm archipelago with the aim to discuss if, and how, a specific sense of place is produced or reflected in the signs, building on Lefebvre’s concept of social spaces. Signs collected from two islands, Nämdö and Svartsö, are used in qualitative analysis. Firstly, the construction of such a (rural) linguistic landscape is discussed, focusing on the languages used as well as the emplacement and general functions of signs. Secondly, a closer look at some examples from the linguistic landscape provides insight into signs that are speaking to locals and visitors. The analysis shows that the linguistic landscape is almost exclusively made up of signs in Swedish. Functionally, a variety of different signs can be found, partly centred by local businesses, and on bulletin boards, but many signs with general information and instructions can also be found throughout the landscape. Examples of signs addressing both permanent residents and visitors can be identified, but the general sense of place the linguistic landscapes reflect is that of more organic places, not overly produced or touristic ones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Issues in Linguistic Landscapes)
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