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Chapter 4. Ideologies in the linguistic landscape

The semiotic construction of the Puerto Rican identity
  • Alba Arias Alvarez and Patricia Gubitosi
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Abstract

Linguistic Landscape (LL) research is a useful tool to uncover language ideologies related to the construction of ethnic identities within a public space. Language in the public space may reflect the sociopolitical encounters and differences that exist within a community and need to be contemplated as part of the larger view of the linguistic behavior of the society. The present chapter focuses on Puerto Rico, a nation where English and Spanish signage share the same space and where there is a long-running discussion on Puerto Rican identity. This paper aims to examine how Puerto Ricans living on the island perceive their LL and what the place of its flag is in the ongoing discussion of identity in the public arena.

Abstract

Linguistic Landscape (LL) research is a useful tool to uncover language ideologies related to the construction of ethnic identities within a public space. Language in the public space may reflect the sociopolitical encounters and differences that exist within a community and need to be contemplated as part of the larger view of the linguistic behavior of the society. The present chapter focuses on Puerto Rico, a nation where English and Spanish signage share the same space and where there is a long-running discussion on Puerto Rican identity. This paper aims to examine how Puerto Ricans living on the island perceive their LL and what the place of its flag is in the ongoing discussion of identity in the public arena.

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