A survey of the linguistic landscape of Bui Vien Western Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ly Thi Phuong Tran, Toan The Duong, My Hien Le, Trang Thuc Dinh, Uyen Diep Phuong Phung, Dat Tran Tuan NguyenPurpose
“Linguistic landscape” refers to the use of language in the form of text displayed on posters, commercial signs, official announcements and traffic signs in public areas. A linguistic landscape allows humans to have clues about the cultural, historical and political values of an area. The purpose of this paper is to identify the features of the linguistic landscape and the current status of languages on signs at Bui Vien Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City, a busy area attracting many international visitors to Vietnam.
Design/methodology/approach
By using quantitative and qualitative methods, the authors analyze and evaluate the features of the linguistic landscape of Bui Vien Quarter on two routes: Bui Vien and Do Quang Dau Street.
Findings
The results show that the number of English signs is higher than Vietnamese signs on these streets. Bilingual and multilingual signs are less frequently used than monolingual signs. Additionally, the signs are mostly embedded in Western cultural forms. The survey presents evidence of cultural unity and diversity under the integration policy of Ho Chi Minh City in particular and Vietnam in general.
Research limitations/implications
Although the study is confined to two streets, limiting generalizability, it highlights the need for broader urban research.
Practical implications
Meanwhile, the findings provide practical insights for language policy, tourism and planning by showing how signage reflects and shapes cultural encounters.
Originality/value
Socially, the study underscores identity and interaction in public space, while its originality lies in offering rare systematic analysis of Ho Chi Minh City's linguistic landscape to reveal broader cultural and social dynamics.