Linguistic landscape in multi-ethnic district of Surabaya

This thesis aims at analyzing the linguistic landscape at three multi-ethnic districts in Surabaya, which represents ethnic diversity in Ampel, Kya-Kya, and Pakuwon districts. These districts are given the name of multi-ethnic districts of Surabaya because of the diverse ethnic groups which live in harmony. Therefore, the researcher already answers the research problems related to this study, such as (1) what is the dominant language used in each multi-ethnic district, (2) what are the characteristics of sign in each multi-ethnic district, and (3) what is the reason for using those languages in each district. This research uses a qualitative approach supported by quantification. Descriptive studies in this study are applied to collect linguistic landscape data as well as to analyze data clearly. The data collected is divided into two, including; photos of signs containing words, phrases or sentences, and also interview transcripts. The analysis is done after all data is collected, starting with calculating the total language used, determining top-down and bottom-up according to Gorter (2006, p.68), determining language variations according to Richard Tucker (1998, p.3-15), determining sign characteristics according to Cenoz & Gorter (2006, p.74-77), and the last explains the reasons for using language in each district based on interviews. In the end, the research objectives have been achieved, and produce clear answers. The results show that each district has different language usage. Indonesian is widely used in the Ampel and Kya-kya districts, in contrast to the Pakuwon district with English being the dominant language. In all three districts, the characteristics of the sign show the same results. All three districts have the Indonesian language with prominent characteristics in all aspects, in the amount of information and others. This shows that Indonesian is used as an informational function as said by Landry & Bourhis (1997, p.25-27). The characteristics of other languages that stand out in some aspects such as Arabic in Ampel, Chinese in Kya-kya, and English in Pakuwon show symbolic functions as said by Landry & Bourhis (1997, p.27-29). For reasons regarding the use of language itself in each district, the results obtained are different, including showing identity, adjusting tourists, making it easier for readers, etc