Linguistic Landscape of Tourist Spaces from 2014 to 2022: A Review

Abstract

This paper reviews studies on the linguistic landscape (LL) field concerning tourism between 2014 and 2022 to offer insights into the development of LL, particularly in the tourism context. Furthermore, the review provides examples of using LL as a research tool and a data source to address several issues in tourist spaces. There has been a growing trend in the study of the written text in tourist spaces as it encompasses a wide variety of creative theoretical and empirical research, dealing with themes like multilingualism, multimodality, language policy, linguistic diversity, and minority languages, among others. This review examines past studies that aided in opening up this area of research and outlines some emerging themes that serve as a springboard for others to consider. Relevant articles for this review were identified from two leading databases: Google Scholar and Academia. Three main steps were involved in this review method: identification, screening, and eligibility processes. The selected articles revealed two main emerging themes that are prominently discussed in the area of tourism which are language dominance and multilingualism. Overall, LL research's emerging themes help deepen the understanding of language(s) use in tourist spaces, especially in multilingual settings. The review demonstrates the potential for LL studies in areas such as tourist space, pedagogy, inclusion, and public awareness.

The Potential of Linguistic Landscapes for the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language in Cuenca, Ecuador

“…Moreover, the presence of errors in a small percentage of signs highlights the evolving attention to language use or potential foreign influence, aligning with discussions on language learning and societal development (Cenoz & Gorter, 2008;Gorter el al., 2021;Li et al, 2020). These findings contribute to the understanding of how linguistic landscapes impact urban identity, tourism, and economic activities (Cenoz & Gorter, 2008;Cenoz & Gorter, 2009;Dong et al, 2020;Hasni et al, 2022;Farfán Pacheco, 2020;Leeman & Modan, 2010;Li et al, 2020;Rola, 2019;Shohamy et al, 2010;Shohamy & Waksman, 2009;). The distinct distribution of businesses and services in different areas of the city further emphasizes the unique linguistic dynamics in Cuenca (García et al, 2017).…”

“…In fact, Kallen (2023) argued that "the LL can be contained by public space, but […] the language display of the LL in fact creates the public space" (p.80). In this sense, linguistic landscapes could have a direct influence on the activities that take place in public spaces, namely, on tourism (Hasni et al, 2022;Dong et al, 2020), the economy (Cenoz & Gorter, 2009;Järlehed et al, 2023), the visual organization of the cities (Farfán Pacheco, 2020; Leeman & Modan, 2010;Rola, 2019;Shohamy et al, 2010), and language learning (Gorter et al, 2021;Hatoss, 2023;Li et al, 2020) Public areas that have language related to tourism are places where people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds are found. The display of different languages in these areas portrays this diversity, which contributes to a sense of inclusivity and fosters a richer cultural environment.…”

“…The display of different languages in these areas portrays this diversity, which contributes to a sense of inclusivity and fosters a richer cultural environment. However, the relationships and possible tensions between the languages present are also evidenced (Hasni et al, 2022). Tourism can be a strong driver of shifts in the LLs of spaces, but they, in turn, also have an effect on tourism (Handiyah & Arts, 2019).…”