Exploring linguistic signage in higher education: An empirical study of a linguistically diverse context

Authors

  • Frenz Djaxxas Daleon Clorion

    College of Teacher Education, Western Mindanao State University
  • Aubrey Jane Bulado

    College of Teacher Education, Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology
  • Bernadeth A. Encarnacion

    College of Teacher Education, Western Mindanao State University
  • Alexandhrea Hiedie Dumagay

    College of Teacher Education, Western Mindanao State University
  • Guiller A. Ellomer

    College of Teacher Education, Western Mindanao State University
  • Salman E. Albani

    Department of Education, Mindanao State University
  • Anthony O. Pil

    College of Teacher Education, Western Mindanao State University
  • Aprillette C. Devanadera

    College of Teacher Education, Southern Luzon University
  • Richard M. Rillo

    Commission on Higher Education, Centro Escolar University
  • Yasser Alrefaee

    Department of Education, Albaydha University
  • Ericson O. Alieto

    College of Teacher Education, Western Mindanao State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59400/fls.v6i1.2049

Abstract

This study offers a comprehensive examination of the linguistic landscape in a nonmetropolitan university, focusing on the dominant language used in university signage. The study primarily delves into the multilingual characteristics and nature of Western Mindanao State University, situated in a linguistically-diverse environment. The study employed analytical categories, which was utilized to serve as basis in selecting and gathering data from various signages across the university, to ensure the accuracy of the data collection. The findings of the study indicated that the university contains five (5) languages that make its linguistic landscape, specifically: English (95.51%), Filipino (7.81%), Chavacano (3.07%), Tausug (1.28%), and Bisaya (0.64%). The data was analyzed using the content analysis to accurately interpret the taken photographs in the university. The study also uncovers the inequality of the number of signages, wherein majority of the signages are monolingual nature, and only limited on the bilingual and multilingual signs. The investigation also revealed a significant result that English is the dominant language used on signages despite the locale’s diverse linguistic and cultural background. The major findings of this study portray that Western Mindanao State University employs both official and non-official signages throughout the campus and in terms of linguistic diversity, local languages are not entirely prevalent and observable on the signages across the entire campus. Consequently, despite the university’s focus towards internationalization and global excellence, there is observable scarcity in multilingual signages. It is imperative to acknowledge the value of multilingual signages, not only for the purpose of communication, but for the preservation of local languages, that are crucial for cultural and ethnic representations.

Keywords:

linguistic landscape, multilingual characteristics, signage, nonmetropolitan university, language, dominance, internationalization, diversity

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Issue

Vol. 6 , Iss. 1 (March 2024)

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2024 Frenz Djaxxas Daleon Clorion, Aubrey Jane Bulado, Bernadeth A. Encarnacion, Alexandhrea Hiedie Dumagay, Guiller A. Ellomer, Salman E. Albani, Anthony O. Pil, Aprillette C. Devanadera, Richard M. Rillo, Yasser Alrefaee, Ericson O. Alieto

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.