The linguistic landscape and materials development

Abstract

Abstract Despite the wide acceptance of the contributions of linguistic landscape (LL) research to sociolinguistic analyses, models of how the LL can be exploited to practise specific features of the language system have been lacking. In this study we focus on Mandarin Chinese, an important community language, to document the development of LL-based materials to practise language-specific elements of the linguistic system (such as understanding the hierarchical organisation of characters, decoding characters, identifying tones, and distinguishing different writing systems), in addition to cultural elements. Beginning with extensive local fieldwork to compile a dataset of Chinese-language signs, materials were developed using the content of signs considered to be representative for this context. Employing a MALL (Mobile-Assisted Language Learning) approach, materials were piloted with learners of Chinese. The results of this practical engagement are discussed, and we end with key recommendations for educationalists concerning the use of the LL as a resource for language acquisition.