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Article published In: Linguistic Landscape
Vol. 10:3 (2024) ► pp.253–272

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[Japanese] toilets are not garbage cans

Discriminatory multilingual signage in the Linguistic Landscape of Japan

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Published online: 2 July 2024
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https://doi.org/10.1075/ll.23076.spe
Abstract
Traditional linguistic landscape research focuses on the diversity, vitality, and structure of languages in public spaces. However, this study takes a critical lens and examines how certain multilingual signage reflects the normalised, harmful ideologies which target minorities in Japan. The study reveals examples of punitive multilingualism, highlighting the information disparities between languages in public signage found in Aichi, Hokkaido, and on the Internet. The paper discusses instances of discriminatory public signage, including online advertisements, based on the premise that foreigners are unruly, and official government signage that appears to target foreigners. The study also delves into problematic instructions posted in public restrooms, showing how the presentation of language(s) can reinforce stereotypes and implicit bias. Through a critical analysis of multilingual signage, this study reveals the challenges and consequences of punitive multilingualism in the context of Japanese sociolinguistics.
要旨
従来の言語景観研究は、公共空間における言語の多様性、活力、および構造に焦点を当てている。しかし、本研究では批判的な視点を持ち、特定の多言語標識が日本のマイノリティを標的とする正常化された有害なイデオロギーをどのように反映しているかを調査する。そのために、愛知県、北海道、およびインターネット上で見つかった公共の標識言語間の情報の格差 (information disparities) を示す懲罰的多言語主義 (punitive multilingualism) の例を明らかにする。また、外国人が不法行為を行うという前提に基づくオンライン広告や、外国人を標的とすると思われる公共の標識など、差別的な公共の標識の事例について議論する。さらに、公衆トイレに掲示された問題のある指示についても検討し、言語の提示がステレオタイプや暗黙のバイアスを強化する方法を示す。多言語の標識を批判的に分析することで、本研究では日本の社会言語学の文脈における懲罰的多言語主義の課題と影響を明らかにする。
Article outline
  • 1.Linguistic Landscape through a critical lens
  • 2.Language diversity in Japan
  • 3.On a critical approach to interpreting public multilingual signage
  • 4.Method
  • 5.Findings and discussion
    • 5.1We are requested, you are prohibited
    • 5.2Toilet talk: Instructions that reek
    • 5.3How multilingual prohibition signs are marketed for distribution
  • 6.Concluding remarks
  • Acknowledgements
  • Note
  • References
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