Language Diversity in Urban Landscape: The Case of Maroua

Abstract

This study examines language diversity as a symbolic construction of public spaces, with a specific focus on Maroua, a city in Cameroon. The linguistic landscape characterized by the presence and visibility of different languages in public spaces, serve as a reflection of the sociolinguistic dynamics and cultural diversity of a community. This study shows how the language ideology of institutions and the community of Maroua as a whole are reflected on its landscape. The study mainly focuses on language distribution, and factors that influenced the linguistic landscape in public spaces in Maroua. The research is guided by Landry and Bourhis’ (1997) theory of Linguistic landscape. The researchers used the quantitative and qualitative research design. The data in this research were collected in the public spaces of Maroua. A total of 305 signs snapped with a digital camera constituted the primary source of information in this research. The researchers also used observation and interviews to gather data on the linguistic landscape of Maroua. Data analysis shows that the languages displayed in Maroua linguistic landscape are French, English and indigenous languages such as Fulfuldé. The findings show that French is the dominant language in the linguistic landscape of Maroua and minority languages are almost absent on the signs. The languages and signs reflect the political, social, ideological and cultural forces at work in the environment of Maroua. The linguistic landscape of Maroua is also influenced by factors such as urbanization, migration and government policy on language use. This research is an important contribution to the sociolinguistic dynamics and cultural diversity study of the Cameroonian urban communities.