Italian Language in the Public Space: A Linguistic Landscape Perspective of the Municipalities of Piran and Koper

Abstract

The article aims to illustrate certain aspects of the urban linguistic landscapes of the municipalities of Piran and Koper, focusing on the visibility of the Italian language in the public space, as well as to assess whether the linguistic landscape reflects the implementation of linguistic policies in the areas investigated. Through empirical data gathered during field research, linguistic signs were analysed to determine the languages present in the public space, the characteristics of linguistic elements, and whether the linguistic landscapes of Piran and Koper reflect the language policies of the bilingual territory. The findings indicate that the language landscape not only provides useful information on the presence of languages in the public space but is also indicative of the official language policy towards the minority language, influencing its status and prestige.

Keywords

• linguistic landscape
• italian language
• italian national community
• language in the public space