Languages on Display: Multilingual Culinary Signage in the Linguistic Landscape of Western Visayas, Philippines

Abstract

Linguistic Landscape (LL) research has gained increasing attention in sociolinguistics as a means of examining language use in public spaces. However, studies focusing on culinary signage in specific local contexts remain limited. This study investigates the linguistic landscape of culinary signs in two highly urbanized cities in Western Visayas, Philippines. Employing a descriptive content analysis design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the study analyzed 49 publicly displayed culinary signs collected from selected local food establishments. The analysis examined language distribution in terms of monoglossic and heteroglossic forms, language features based on code preference, inscription, and emplacement, and language functions categorized as informative and symbolic. Findings indicate the dominance of English across both monoglossic and heteroglossic signs, as well as its prominence in terms of visual placement, font size, and color. English is primarily used for informative purposes, while local and foreign languages tend to serve symbolic functions related to identity, authenticity, and cultural representation. The presence of multiple languages in signage reflects the multilingual and transcultural dynamics of the region. The study contributes to the growing body of linguistic landscape research by providing context-specific insights into culinary signage in a regional Philippine setting. It also suggests directions for future research, including broader investigations across different types of public signage and deeper exploration of the semiotic and ideological dimensions of language use in commercial spaces.