Linguistic Landscapes and Cultural Inclusivity: Examining Identity Negotiation in Arab Diasporic Tourism Spaces in Puncak, Indonesia
Abstract
Language utilization in public spaces serves as a central mechanism in establishing inclusive or exclusive environments, modulating accessibility to information regarding goods and services. This study examines how linguistic landscapes act as sites for multilingual identity negotiation and representation within the Arab diasporic tourism enclave of Puncak, Bogor, Indonesia, and how these landscapes shape perceptions of cultural inclusivity. Employing a qualitative Linguistic Landscape (LL) approach grounded in Stuart Hall’s (1996) identity theory, this research analyzes data collected through field observations, photographic documentation of signage, and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that the predominance of Arabic constituting approximately 73% of observed signage constructs a distinct spatial identity that imposes linguistic and cultural exclusion on surrounding local communities while simultaneously enhancing the area’s appeal to Middle Eastern tourists. By mapping the dominance of Arabic in this specific context, this study contributes to sociolinguistic landscape literature by demonstrating how commercial signage functions as a tool for both diasporic identity affirmation and local marginalization. Consequently, the study extends Hall’s (1996) concerns regarding the necessity of a linguistically inclusive public sphere, underscoring the importance of multilingual environments that foster equal and equitable communicative participation and comprehension.
Keywords: identity; inclusivity; linguistic landscape; multilingualism; tourism
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/3L-2026-3203-09
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