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Multilingualism in Signs
Multilingualism in Signs
Reading the signs
Signs is the most explicit form of language use. We have classified the sign into two categories: the governmental signs (road signs, MTR signs and particularly tourists-guide provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board) and non-governmental signs.
Picture1: Bilingual governmental signs || Picture2: Bilingual non-governmental sign
Most road signs are bilingual, that is, written in traditional Chinese and English. English is the most commonly used language for signs, which would be a great aid for tourists (Picture 1& Picture 2).
Regarding governmental signs, all of them are either bilingual or trilingual. In particular, all Hong Kong Tourism Board’s signs provide translation in traditional Chinese, English and Japanese (Picture 3). Such language use implies that Hong Kong is indeed a tourist destination in Asia. Most non-governmental signs (like commercials and logos) are bilingual. For shops which have a foreign name, like the Italian title 'ILVENTO', English and Chinese taglines are always provided (Picture 4).
In conclusion, governmental signs always employ the two official languages (Chinese and English), while tourist-guiding-facilities all have one more non-official language – Japanese. Non-governmental signs often consist of one, or more, official languages and one non-official language.
The cultural diversity of Tsim Sha Tsui (particularly in Nathan Road) is reflected through the multilingual signs, and the retaurants' titles play a significant role in this aspect. With such intriguing langscape, Hong Kong sure is an international food paradise. Walking down the bustling streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, you will see Tsim Sha Tsui's diversities in no time.
Bibliography: Backhaus, Peter. (2006). Multilingualism in Tokyo: A Look into the Linguistic Landscape. Durk, Gorter (Eds.), Linguistic Language: A New Approach to Multilingualism (pp.52-66). Toronto: Multilingual Matters LTD.
Tsim Sha Tsui is a famous tourism spot which attracts tourists around the world. It is a large gathering place for people with different nationalities; the mainlanders, Westerners, Indians, you name it! As a fusion of races, it seems only natural to have tourist-friendly multi-lingual signs is the area.
Reading the signs
Signs is the most explicit form of language use. We have classified the sign into two categories: the governmental signs (road signs, MTR signs and particularly tourists-guide provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board) and non-governmental signs.
  Picture 3: Trilingual Signs of Tourism Broad |
Most road signs are bilingual, that is, written in traditional Chinese and English. English is the most commonly used language for signs, which would be a great aid for tourists (Picture 1& Picture 2).
Regarding governmental signs, all of them are either bilingual or trilingual. In particular, all Hong Kong Tourism Board’s signs provide translation in traditional Chinese, English and Japanese (Picture 3). Such language use implies that Hong Kong is indeed a tourist destination in Asia. Most non-governmental signs (like commercials and logos) are bilingual. For shops which have a foreign name, like the Italian title 'ILVENTO', English and Chinese taglines are always provided (Picture 4).
  Picture 4: Non-governmental signs with Chinese or English taglines |
  Picture 5: A multilingual shop sign provides traditional Chinese, English and Indian titles |
The restaurant's signs have a special pattern in language use. A Korean restaurant, for instance, has Chinese translation (a local language) for its Korean title (written in the restaurant's 'native' language). The local language supplements the foreign titles by making the restaurant more local-friendly (picture 5).
On the other hand, this phenomenon shows high tolerance of foreign languages in Hong Kong, as the owners keep the restaurants' names in their native languages. Backhaus (2006) suggested that this language use shows restaurant owners' desires to claim solidarity or identity. Such preservation of native languages melts down to the multilingual langscape of Tsim Sha Tsui.
On the other hand, this phenomenon shows high tolerance of foreign languages in Hong Kong, as the owners keep the restaurants' names in their native languages. Backhaus (2006) suggested that this language use shows restaurant owners' desires to claim solidarity or identity. Such preservation of native languages melts down to the multilingual langscape of Tsim Sha Tsui.
In conclusion, governmental signs always employ the two official languages (Chinese and English), while tourist-guiding-facilities all have one more non-official language – Japanese. Non-governmental signs often consist of one, or more, official languages and one non-official language.
The cultural diversity of Tsim Sha Tsui (particularly in Nathan Road) is reflected through the multilingual signs, and the retaurants' titles play a significant role in this aspect. With such intriguing langscape, Hong Kong sure is an international food paradise. Walking down the bustling streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, you will see Tsim Sha Tsui's diversities in no time.
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Latest page update: made by EN2707
, Nov 6 2009, 8:07 PM EST
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