Discover Cities (Jun 2025)
Landscape of inscriptions on commercial vehicles in a Ghanaian city
Abstract
Abstract Linguistic landscapes (LL) serve as important media for expressing identity, cultural heritage and societal values within urban spaces. This study explores the linguistic inscriptions on commercial intra-city vehicles in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of Ghana, analyzing the dominant languages used, the factors influencing language choices and the meanings ascribed to these inscriptions. Employing a case study design within the pragmatic paradigm, data were collected through personal observations, photography and in-depth interviews with vehicle owners and drivers. A multi-stage sampling approach was used to select 125 commercial vehicles with inscriptions from three major transport stations: Sekondi Taxi Station, Kwesimintsim Taxi Station and Sekondi Trotro Station Sarantakos S. Social research. Macmillan International Higher Education; 2012. LL Model, which provides a framework for examining written language, was used. Findings indicate that English is the most dominant language, followed by Twi, Mfantse and Spanish. Some inscriptions were code-mixed, incorporating English with either Mfantse or Twi. The preference for English was largely attributed to its perceived readability and broader mileage. Other factors influencing language choice included personal identity, cultural pride, religious beliefs and social influence. The study contributes to the growing body of research on LL in Ghana by highlighting how public signage reflects linguistic diversity, sociocultural influences and communicative intentions. The findings suggest that vehicle inscriptions serve as a dynamic space for language use, reinforcing both local linguistic identities and the pervasive influence of English in cities. The implication is that LL serves as a crucial basis for defining the linguistic behaviour of cities, emphasising the need for preserving indigenous linguistic identities.
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