Politics, economics, and identity: Mapping a virtual linguistics landscape in Indonesia

This study aimed to investigate the dominant language used (English or Indonesian Language) in the linguistics landscape in Indonesia. Therefore, the research method applied in this study was descriptive analysis, and the technique of collecting the data was documentation technique. The finding shows that the dominant language used at malls or shopping centres was English, while at the office building of private companies and streets, the linguistics landscapes were dominantly written in the Indonesian language. However, this research was only focused on the Indonesian and English language used in the linguistics landscape. Therefore, research is suggested to be conducted in more languages and more places for better findings and impact.

This paper presents the first in-depth analysis of linguistic landscape (LL) of a migrant area in Dubai. While Arabic is the official language of the country, few foreigners learn it and English has become the lingua franca that allows migrant communities to communicate. Nonetheless, English and Arabic are mother tongues to a minority of resident population. A multitude of other languages are spoken among expatriates. Despite that variety, the visibility and salience of particular languages in LL is a reflection of, most often, their differing social standing. As such, this research shows how multilingualism, language contact, social hierarchy as well as official policies with regards to language use in UAE, have led to the minimisation of third languages use in LL. Through a multilingual analysis of signs in Souk Naif area, this research provides important insights on the meaning of linguistic landscapes in cosmopolitan cities in the Arabian Gulf, specifically, how bottom-up sign makers negotiate the public space, why English is the primary language used, and finally, why high levels of multiculturalism lead to deterritorialisation and commodification of languages in LL.

Tanah Abang Market, the largest textile trade center in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, functions as a multicultural economic hub that attracts traders from various ethnic groups, including Chinese, Arab, Betawi, and Minangkabau communities. This study focuses on Minangkabau traders, who represent the majority of participants in the market, to analyze their historical development, business strategies, adaptive practices, and the factors underlying their limited economic advancement. Using the historical method—comprising heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography—data were collected from newspapers, scholarly literature, and interviews with active traders. The findings indicate that Minangkabau involvement in Tanah Abang began in the 1970s, stimulated by Kredit Investasi Kecil (KIK), Kredit Modal Kerja Permanen (KMKP), and pro-indigenous government policies. State-led modernization and expansion of the market further facilitated their growth. Initially operating as street vendors due to limited capital, many gradually secured permanent kiosks. Despite their numerical dominance, their overall business performance remains modest, constrained by restricted access to capital, short-term profit orientation, and difficulties in adapting to competitive and modern market dynamics. This study provides new insights into the socio-economic adaptation of ethnic traders within urban commercial spaces and contributes to the broader discourse on ethnic entrepreneurship, state policy, and market transformation in Indonesia. It also offers a foundation for future comparative research on the sustainability and competitiveness of local trading communities.. AbstrakPasar Tanah Abang, sebagai pusat perdagangan tekstil terbesar di Indonesia dan Asia Tenggara, berfungsi sebagai ruang ekonomi multikultural yang menarik pedagang dari berbagai etnis, seperti Tionghoa, Arab, Betawi, dan Minangkabau. Penelitian ini memfokuskan kajian pada pedagang Minangkabau yang menjadi kelompok mayoritas, dengan tujuan menganalisis dinamika historis, strategi bisnis, mekanisme adaptasi, serta faktor-faktor yang menyebabkan keterbatasan kemajuan ekonomi mereka. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode historis yang meliputi heuristik, kritik sumber, interpretasi, dan historiografi. Data diperoleh dari koran, literatur ilmiah, dan wawancara dengan pedagang aktif. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa keterlibatan pedagang Minangkabau di Tanah Abang dimulai pada 1970-an, didorong oleh program Kredit Investasi Kecil (KIK), Kredit Modal Kerja Permanen (KMKP), serta kebijakan pemerintah yang mendukung pengusaha pribumi. Modernisasi dan ekspansi Pasar Tanah Abang oleh pemerintah semakin mempercepat pertumbuhan mereka. Pada tahap awal, pedagang Minangkabau beroperasi sebagai pedagang kaki lima karena keterbatasan modal, sebelum secara bertahap memperoleh kios permanen. Namun, meskipun mendominasi secara jumlah, kemajuan usaha mereka tetap terbatas akibat akses modal yang rendah, orientasi keuntungan jangka pendek, dan tantangan dalam beradaptasi dengan dinamika perdagangan modern. Studi ini memberikan kontribusi penting terhadap pemahaman tentang adaptasi sosial-ekonomi pedagang etnis dalam ruang komersial perkotaan serta menjadi rujukan bagi penelitian selanjutnya mengenai kewirausahaan etnis dan transformasi pasar di Indonesia.

The use of multiple languages is an important part of linguistic landscape. Taking the Xishan Scenic Area in Kunming, Yunnan Province as an example, this study examines the language ecology in the official linguistic landscape of tourist areas. It is found that the use of traditional Chinese is a prominent feature of the linguistic landscape in Xishan Scenic Area. Chinese plays a dominant role in the linguistic landscape, with the highest usage percentage and salience. Although English as a lingua franca is not salient enough compared with Chinese, it is widely used in the local linguistic landscapes. In addition to English, the official linguistic landscape of Xishan also features the use of languages such as Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese. The findings provide an authentic portrait of the linguistic landscape in an international tourism destination in China.

The study of the linguistic landscape has provided a new dimension to theories and issues related to multilingualism, including language policy. In this growing field of inquiry, however, not enough attention has been given to the linguistic landscape in sites in the Global South. Since one of the aims of literacy studies is to reveal the variety and social patternings of practices, there is a need to compare linguistic landscape data with other various textual materials. In this article, we present linguistic landscape data from two federal regional capitals in Ethiopia that demonstrate multilingual language use. We also compare the linguistic contact patterns with those found in schoolbooks used in the same region. Such a comparison involves language use in unregulated as well as in regulated spaces (see Sebba 2009). Regional ethnically based languages are now being used in new arenas, including the linguistic landscape and education because of a new language policy promoting the use and development of regional languages. The two regional capitals provide privileged sites for examining the products of local literacy practices, involving values, attitudes, ideologies, and social relationships. We discuss the results in light of various ideologies and argue for the speaker-writer’s active mobilisation of multilingual resources in new language arenas.

The study of the linguistic landscape has provided a new dimension to theories andissues related to multilingualism, including language policy. In this growing field ofinquiry, however, not enough attention has been given to the linguistic landscape insites in the Global South. Since one of the aims of literacy studies is to reveal the varietyand social patternings of practices, there is a need to compare linguistic landscape datawith other various textual materials. In this article, we present linguistic landscape datafrom two federal regional capitals in Ethiopia that demonstrate multilingual languageuse. We also compare the linguistic contact patterns with those found in schoolbooksused in the same region. Such a comparison involves language use in unregulatedas well as in regulated spaces (see Sebba 2009). Regional ethnically based languagesare now being used in new arenas, including the linguistic landscape and educationbecause of a new language policy promoting the use and development of regionallanguages. The two regional capitals provide privileged sites for examining theproducts of local literacy practices, involving values, attitudes, ideologies, and socialrelationships. We discuss the results in light of various ideologies and argue for thespeaker-writer’s active mobilisation of multilingual resources in new language arenas.

Labuan Bajo, the capital of West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, is currently experiencing rapid development. A good number of hotels, restaurants, and cafes have sprung up. The rapid development of tourist accommodation has had an impact on national and local identity as seen in the language in public spaces through the language used in the tourist accommodation sign boards.The purpose of this study is to map the linguistic landscape in Labuan Bajo, particularly the use of language on tourist accommodation signage; to explain the factors that lead to the dominance of massive foreign influences on the language of tourist accommodation signage; and explain the response of local communities to the domination of these foreign influences. This study used a qualitative method by first visually documenting data, consisting of names of tourist accommodations in Labuan Bajo; second, doing a linguistic analysis of data in particular the meaning and construction of names that may come from one or multiple languages.The results of the field research show that foreign identities in language use on tourist accommodation signboards in Labuan Bajo are so widespread. It is hoped that the government can encourage the use of the national language and regional languages in tourist accommodation signage through the socialization of the use of language in public spaces as stated in Law No. 24 of 2009 so that national and local identities in Labuan Bajo are not seen as inferior to foreign identities.KEYWORDS: linguistic landscape, public space, identity, national and local language

In the last few decades, there has been a surge of interest in the interdisciplinary study of linguistic landscape (LL), since LL has been viewed as the junction of sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, social psychology, geography, and media studies. However, little is known about the role of non-linguistic features and the dynamism within a LL. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the multilingualism phenomena in Hong Kong revealed by LLs in Stanley using a mixed method approach. The result revealed that (1) all the official LLs were fixedly represented in Chinese and English (two official languages of Hong Kong); (2) foreign languages were found in non-official LLs for emblematic and tourism functions. Moreover, two types of relationship were found between the linguistic part and the non-linguistic part, (1) complementary and commercial relationship as well as (2) mutual translational relationship. The implications were three-fold. Theoretically, this study generated fresh insights into the interaction between linguistic and non-linguistic parts on LLs. Methodologically, mixing quantitative analysis and critical discourse analysis achieved a methodological triangulation, and further led to a comprehensive understanding. Practically, LL proves its value in English instruction due to its authenticity, dynamism, and easy accessibility.

AbstrakLanskap linguistik merupakan representasi pemakaian bahasa dalam tata ruang publik. Artikel ini membahas tentang “Kontur Global dari Konteks Plurilingual”. Lanskap linguistik terkait erat dengan persoalan ruang berbahasa antar bangsa. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil pembahasan lanskap bahasa negara (bahasa Indonesia) dalam konteks komunikasi pada era globalisasi, khususnya era Revolusi Industri 4,0 yang ketika dilihat dari geopolitik bahasa memberikan peluang dan sekaligus ancaman bagi bahasa negara dalam penggunaannya di ruang publik. Dari penelitian ini diperoleh bahwa, manusia penggunaan bahasa Indonesia sebagai bahasa utama di Bandara Internasional Sultan Hasanuddin merupakan salah satu cara untuk menginternasionalkan bahasa indonesia, sebab di luar negeri bahasa Indonesia tidak digunakan di ruang publik.Kata kunci: bahasa, Indonesia, Lanskap linguistik AbstractThe linguistic landscape is a representation of the use of language in public space. This article discusses the "Global Contour of a Plurilingual Context". The linguistic landscape is closely related to the problem of language space between nations. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative method. The results of the discussion on the landscape of the state language (Indonesian) in the context of communication in the era of globalization, especially the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, when viewed from the geopolitics of language, provide both opportunities and threats for the state language in its use in public spaces. From this research it was found that, humans use Indonesian as the main language at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport is one way to internationalize Indonesian, because overseas Indonesian is not used in public spaces.Keywords: language, Indonesia, linguistic landscape

This paper enquires into the emergence of linguistic landscapes as cycles from fluid to frozen and fluid again. It is based on the first author’s ethnographic narratives of the appearance and disappearance of linguistic landscapes in a community coffeehouse in Hangzhou, East China. By moment analysis of the entanglements in everyday life that owners and customers share, we find that the meanings of the coffeehouse space are dynamically shaped by the intersections of their life trajectories and constant communication with others in ongoing everyday life. It is argued that linguistic landscapes emerge as a continuous flux, with language users’ care for others, willingness to correspond, and improvisation of linguistic and semiotic practices affected by their life trajectories. This paper will contribute to current research on language use in everyday space and fluid linguistic landscapes.

This article explores how urban environments influence language variation through the lens of linguistic landscapes—the visual display of languages in public spaces such as signs, advertisements, and official notices. Drawing on established theoretical research, it examines how linguistic landscapes reflect the multilingual and multicultural nature of modern cities and function as symbolic markers of identity, power, and inclusion. The study discusses the ways in which language use in urban signage is shaped by social dynamics, including migration, globalization, and local language policies. It also considers how minority and heritage languages are represented or marginalized in these landscapes, and how public visibility affects perceptions of linguistic vitality and legitimacy. The article argues that linguistic landscapes are not merely passive reflections of linguistic diversity but active spaces of meaning-making, social negotiation, and identity construction. By analyzing these visual texts, sociolinguists gain valuable insights into the complex relationship between language, space, and society in contemporary urban settings.

Prior research has shown that linguistic landscapes (LL) can promote language awareness and critical thinking, foster text-to-world connections, and develop intercultural awareness and understanding. Still, few studies have specifically explored the potential of LL in contributing to global citizenship education (GCE), an educational perspective that aims to prepare students to fully embrace the opportunities and challenges of a globalised world, and to assume active roles, both locally and globally. The study reported in this chapter draws on data gathered in an ongoing international project that brings together researchers, teacher educators, language (and other subject) teachers, and students from five European countries. The study investigates whether, to what extent, and how the LL multimodal modules designed and carried out by the teachers in the different partner cities of the project address domains of learning, include competences and topics, and are developed according to methodological approaches aligned with GCE. To do this, a qualitative methodology was adopted and an analytical tool for content analysis was created drawing on key GCE literature. Based on the findings, a set of recommendations are proposed, illustrated by example activities that may inspire teachers to address GCE in a more comprehensive and meaningful way while exploring LL.

This research focuses on the commercial linguistic landscape (LL) downtown Ciudad del Este, a border city located on the east side of Paraguay. It is known for being a vibrant economically active city, and home to several immigrant groups who established there. A total of 740 signs were collected and analyzed through a mixed methods approach to find out the languages present in the LL, their frequency, and the relation between language and the commercial activity. Additionally, open-ended interviews were conducted to some businesses to enrich the data. The results indicate a wide spectrum of languages unequally distributed in the LL in terms of their visibility, having English the dominance over all foreign languages; as well as some differences between language use on the signs among the different commercial activities, especially when comparing shops offering services and shops selling products. The findings reveal the commercially driven character of the LL through the informative and strongly symbolic functions of language.

Both the pre-independence lingua franca Afrikaans and the post-independence official language English are used to communicate in public contexts in Namibia although most Namibians speak other languages at home. This article aims to find out which languages are used for communication in public spaces in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. It is based on linguistic landscaping and soundscaping data and compares this contemporary data with the pre-independence linguistic landscape reported in Kleinz (1984) to assess the diachronic development of public language use. This investigation finds that English is the most frequent language used in written communication in the public sphere. English also seems to be favoured by non-White Namibians in service encounters, while many White Namibians select Afrikaans in these situations.

Language as it appears in the public space is at the centre of investigations into linguistic landscapes. Language agents immersed in a given geo-historical context contribute to the construction of spatialised meaning and to the transformation of space into place. The visibility of a language in a linguistic landscape does not just index a reality, i.e. the use of one or more languages within a community, but contributes to the symbolic construction of a given space. The current study aims to investigate the peculiarities of place-making and -marking of the Slovenian-speaking community in the area of Trieste via an analysis of written signs displaying the minority language. The paper will show that the tension resulting from achieved equality in the legal status of Slovenian and the perception of unequal power relations between different ethnic groups is reproduced in the construction of the local linguistic landscape. The final part of the discussion will suggest that public use of the Slovenian language is central to the performance of a material border.