Signs of the times: Changing names and cultural values in Australia

Naming is claiming. Ipso Facto- to sign is to reinforce the party line. Toponyms play multiple roles in the cerebral world: they represent histories; connect communities; identify cultural heritage; locate areas; and, define places in the landscape. Within the natural and constructed landscape they also have a role in written form: they appear as words on signposts, names on banners and markings on walls. Their physical appearance and existence (in some cases also non-existence) speaks volumes for the cultural, political and social fabric surrounding the area of their location. If a painted picture can say 1000 words, then so too the constructed and written toponym can evoke discussions about its landscape. This paper explores various aspects of the linguistic landscape in Australia. Examples are provided from naming and signage programs in the State of Victoria. A particular emphasis is given to exploring the changing dynamics of the linguistic landscape whereby contemporary communities develop 'welcome to country' signage as contrasted against the actions of communities in the 1990s who removed dual-name signs. Thought will be given to the serious nature of politically-motivated toponymic practices, and time will be spent exploring the nature of community-defined 'acknowledgement' linguistic landscapes. © Onoma. All rights reserved.C