Linguistic Landscapes and Cultural Identity Formation in Multilingual Urban Spaces
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71435/688514Keywords:
Linguistic Landscape, Cultural Identity , Multilingualism, Language Visibility , Urban SpacesAbstract
Purpose: This study examines how linguistic landscapes in multilingual urban spaces of Palu, Indonesia, contribute to cultural identity formation by exploring language distribution, visibility, and the relationship between public signage, cultural recognition, and belonging.
Subjects and Methods: A qualitative case study was conducted using a linguistic landscape framework. Data were collected through field observations, photographic documentation, and semi-structured interviews with nine participants, comprising five community members, two business owners, one shop owner, and one urban resident. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis and linguistic landscape categorization, distinguishing top-down institutional signs from bottom-up community and commercial signs. Triangulation was conducted across visual, textual, and interview evidence.
Results: Four themes emerged: language distribution, top-down and bottom-up signage, linguistic visibility and cultural identity, and identity negotiation. Indonesian predominated in official and regulatory signs, while commercial and community spaces showed greater use of English, local, and heritage languages. Bottom-up signage demonstrated linguistic creativity through code-mixing, translation, transliteration, and culturally meaningful visual elements. Heritage-language visibility supported cultural recognition and belonging, whereas limited visibility was associated with perceived marginalization. Multilingual signage also balanced commercial accessibility with cultural continuity.
Conclusions: Linguistic landscapes reflect institutional hierarchies while enabling everyday identity negotiation. Inclusive urban language planning should recognize multilingual practices and support heritage-language visibility and culturally diverse representation in public spaces.
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References
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