This article discusses the language form and the symbolic function of quotes or slogans on transportation around Kupang city. The data of this study were collected directly from the transportation around the streets. They were analyzed using qualitative methods, while the symbolic functions were analyzed using a critical discourse analysis model. It found that land transportation uses multi-languages, English, Indonesian, Kupang Malay, Uab Meto (Dawan), Rote, Sabu, Hebrew, Latin, and Betawi. Some use a particular style of language, such as p27den, and a combination of two or more languages or dialects. English is the most dominant language used. The lack of local languages shows massive cultural changes and people's attitudes toward local languages. The linguistic unit consists of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, and acronyms. English is dominant in each linguistic unit except in acronyms. The quotes represent six themes: love, religion, music, power, family, and regionalism. In general, They carry two functions, power relations, and identity.
This article discusses signs in the form of writing in public spaces, especially found on bemo (public transportation) in Kupang city through a linguistic landscape approach. The topics discussed are the language used, the form of the language, the dominance of the language, and the perception of the people. Data were obtained from photographs with digital cameras and interviews with informants and then analyzed qualitatively. As a result, the language used on the bemo is multilingual and dominated by English in the form of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, and acronyms. English dominates in each lingual unit except in the form of acronyms. Regarding the use of language in public spaces, especially the written language found on bemo, people feel happy if they find their language visible in public spaces. Therefore, the respondent expected and suggested that it is important to maintain their language. However, they are aware that their mother tongue cannot help in terms of the economy, therefore, government intervention through local language policies is needed for the language survival.
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