The Linguistic Landscape of Public Signs in Istiqlal Mosque

Abstract

This research examines the linguistic landscape in places of worship, focusing on public signs at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. The study aims to analyze the language use on signs in this iconic mosque, applying Spolsky and Cooper's theoretical framework, which classifies signs based on linguistic taxonomy. Data were collected through direct observation at the mosque, where researchers photographed public signs over a single day. The analysis identified 51 signs, categorized into 28 monolingual, 10 bilingual, and 13 multilingual signs. The multilingual signs featured a combination of Indonesian, Arabic, and English. These signs were further classified by function, including prohibitions, warnings, labels, directions, and informational purposes. The findings reveal a rich linguistic landscape that reflects the cultural and religious significance of the Istiqlal Mosque. The signs not only facilitate communication and navigation for domestic and international visitors but also underscore the mosque's role as a multicultural and multilingual space. The use of Indonesian as the national language dominates the signage, while Arabic emphasizes religious identity, and English accommodates international visitors. This study highlights the importance of linguistic landscapes in enhancing accessibility and fostering inclusivity in public spaces. By examining the diversity of languages and their functions on signs at the Istiqlal Mosque, this research provides valuable insights into the intersection of language, culture, and communication in a religious and cultural landmark. The findings also have implications for designing effective signage in multilingual and multicultural contexts.