Study of the Linguistic Landscape in Ningnan County from the Perspective of Place Semiotics

Abstract

The linguistic landscape reveals the linguistic power and linguistic policy of a particular region. Scholars have conducted extensive research on linguistic landscapes, but the research on linguistic landscapes in minority areas is still relatively lacking. Based on the theory of place semiotics, this paper explores the characteristics and problems of the linguistic landscape in Ningnan County by conducting a field survey. It was found that the linguistic landscape of Ningnan County is characterized by Chinese, Yi language, and English. The bilingual code accounts for a high proportion, with Chinese and Yi bilingualism dominating, Chinese being a strong language in a dominant position. In terms of inscription, the top-down and bottom-up signs are consistent in font usage, traditional and simplified character usage, and sign material, but the bottom-up signs are more diversified in font and character usage and emphasize their individuality. In terms of emplacement, both top-down and bottom-up signs are primarily reasonable and standardized, but there is still room for improvement in bottom-up signs. The linguistic landscape in Ningnan County mainly suffers from improper use of Chinese, damage to some characters, and transgressive semiotics, which requires relevant departments, signage creators, and residents to enhance language awareness and protect the signs. This paper shows the language power and language policy in Ningnan County and provides a basis for the protection and inheritance of Yi language.