English and Vietnamese in the Linguistic Landscape: Globalization and Language Policy in Ho Chi Minh City
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15282/Keywords:
Commercial signs, Language policy, Language practice, Linguistic landscape, VietnameseAbstract
This research is set out to explore language practice on commercial signs in Ho Chi Minh City with two-fold aim to examine the dynamics between “top-down” Language Policies and “bottom-up” language practice in Linguistic Landscape and to determine the extent of English language presence and its functions in such dynamics. The research studied 1286 privately owned signs across four neighbourhoods, through quantitative coding and interpretive sign reading methods. It was found that although national Language Policy is set in place to ensure the vitality of Vietnamese language, actual language practice on commercial signs shows some levels of discrepancy. The quantitative data shows that 62.2 percent of signs comply with regulations in Language Policy, but 37.8 percent of signs do not. The defiance exits in forms of using only English, leaving out Vietnamese translation, or making foreign language phrases more visible. The analysis also shows that commercial signs in tourism, banking and beauty businesses has the high percentage of English use. Interpretive analysis shows that English is used not only just to inform customers about shop business, but also to signify modernity, professionalism, luxury and global youth culture. The findings indicate that local businesses may sidestep national Language Policy by leaning in English’s power to blend language use with economic benefits and status cues. The study highlights that English is gaining ground in Vietnam, and that its presence in Linguistic Landscape of the major economic hub of the country reflects the complex interplay of Language Policy and economic pragmatism and globalization.
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