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Article published In: Linguistic Landscape
Vol. 12:2 (2026) ► pp.167–200

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Why language matters

Territorialization processes of purpose-built mosques in Scandinavia

ORCiD logo with link | University of Southern Denmark
ORCiD logo with link | University of Gothenburg
ORCiD logo with link | Institute for Language and Folklore, Gothenburg
Published online: 13 February 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/ll.25021.lyk
Abstract
This study examines whether purpose-built mosques in Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen are embedded within their local contexts or whether they rather display ties to transnational Islamic networks. To address this question, we draw on an exploratory theoretical framework that integrates territorialization theory, the field of semiotic landscapes, and critical toponymy and conceptualizes mosques as assemblages. The study demonstrates that analyzing toponyms, language use and language choices (both offline and online), religious transparency, and the presence and visibility of women in the semiotic landscape in addition to mosque architecture and visibility offers valuable insight into territorialization processes. Our aim is to evaluate the applicability of the proposed model, to deepen our understanding of purpose-built mosques in Scandinavia, and ultimately to provide a more comprehensive perspective on the role of language in territorialization processes.
Resumé
Dette studie undersøger, om stormoskeer i Oslo, Stockholm og København primært er forankret i deres lokale kontekst, eller om de i højere grad er indlejret i transnationale islamiske netværk. For at belyse dette spørgsmål anvender vi en eksplorativ teoretisk ramme, der kombinerer territorialiseringsteori, analyser af moskeernes semiotiske landskaber og kritisk toponymi samt definerer moskeer som assemblages. Studiet viser, at analyser af moskeernes navnevalg, sprogbrug og sprogvalg (både offline og online), samt brugen af religiøs transparens, kvinders tilstedeværelse og synlighed i det semiotiske landskab, i kombination med arkitektur og synlighed, giver værdifuld indsigt i moskeernes territorialiseringsprocesser. Formålet med studiet er dels at vurdere den foreslåede models analytiske anvendelighed, dels at uddybe forståelsen af stormoskeer i Skandinavien og dermed bidrage til et mere nuanceret perspektiv på sprogets rolle i territorialiseringsprocesser.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Language use in mosques
  • 3.Theoretical and methodological framework
  • 4.Purpose-built mosques in Scandinavia
    • 4.1Purpose-build mosques in Oslo
    • 4.2Purpose-built mosques in Stockholm
    • 4.3Purpose-built mosques in Copenhagen
  • 5.Territorialization processes
    • 5.1The external perspective
    • 5.2The internal perspective
  • 6.Concluding remarks: Why language matters
  • Notes
  • References
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