The linguistic landscape of academic institutions in Kagawa, Japan refers to the visible language use found in public and private schools, colleges, universities, English conversation schools, cram schools, and other technical skill schools. This includes all types of signs, such as building names, directional signs, notice boards, advertisements, and other forms of written and visual communication that are publicly displayed within and outside of these institutions.
The linguistic landscape of academic institutions in Kagawa reflects the linguistic and cultural diversity of the region. While the majority of the signs and communication are in Japanese, there are also signs in English and other languages that reflect the internationalization of the academic community. For example, signs promoting international exchange programs, study abroad opportunities, and English language classes are common in many academic institutions.
The linguistic landscape of academic institutions in Kagawa can also be analyzed from a sociolinguistic perspective. The presence or absence of certain languages and scripts in the linguistic landscape can reflect social and political ideologies, power relations, and language policies within the academic community. For example, the use of English in academic institutions may reflect the dominance of English as a global language and the importance of English proficiency for academic and professional success.
Analyzing the linguistic landscape of academic institutions in Kagawa can provide valuable insights into language use and diversity within the academic community, as well as the social and cultural factors that shape language practices. It can also inform language education and policy-making, promoting the development of a more inclusive and diverse academic community.