Linguistic Landscape
General DescriptionFor this project, you will document and analyze the language of signs posted in and around a school-community. Your essay should combine photographic documentation of visible language (on signs, posters, advertisements, etc.) with a critical reflection on the signs underlying messages about the values and beliefs related to different languages. You should cite at least three (3) course readings and papers should be between 4-5 double-spaced pages of text. Include the photos in an appendix.Organization1. Introduction Description of school and surrounding community Brief (2-3 sentence) summary of your main arguments, key points2. Documentation and AnalysisThis section should contain photos of signs in your selected school and in the surrounding community. Analyze different layers of social meaning in the signs. That is, consider the beliefs, ideas, and valuations of language(s) implicit in the signs.Some points to consider: What language choices are being made? Who are the intended audiences of the signs? What scripts and images contribute to the meanings? How are the signs placed? What are the power relationships and language hierarchies apparent in the signage? To what degree do the social meanings in the school and community signs cohere or struggle against each other?3. Conclusions Add final thoughts, support, or concerns. In addition, what has or has not changed in your thinking about language ideologies in education?
