A paixase lingüística: unha análise dun espazo público galego

Abstract

In this study the sociolinguistic analytical frame of the Linguistic Landscape (LL), as pioneered by Landry and Bourhis (1997), is applied for the first time to the city of Pontevedra. Since this line of investigation defines LL as the written presence of different languages in public spaces, it is also a reflection of their vitality and can be considered a source of additional information on the sociolinguistic situation. Furthermore, the LL contributes to the explanation of the reasons that lead to the use of one language instead of another.

The study of the LL is especially relevant in Pontevedra due to the situation of linguistic conflict in Galicia between a native language (Galician) and a foreign language (Spanish). The quantifiable data about the public use of Galician in the streets of Pontevedra will reflect its vitality.