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Article published In:
Linguistic Landscape
Vol. 4:1 (2018) ► pp.72–95

Constructing Banglatown

Linguistic landscapes in London’s East End

| Anglia Ruskin University

This paper explores the linguistic landscape of the East London ward of Spitalfields and Banglatown, with particular emphasis on the visual prevalence of the linguistic and symbolic repertoire of Bangla. It suggests that Banglatown as a social product is constructed not only by its people, but by its semiotic and linguistic landscape and the interaction within it. A qualitative analysis of a sample of signs identifies several interrelated frames, which construct Banglatown as a distinct symbolic entity, whereby multiple layers of linguistic and discourse practices create a space that is as much for the Bangladeshi community as it is about it.

Keywords: linguistic landscape, London, East End, Bangladeshi, diaspora, bilingualism, urban landscape
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Urban landscapes, urban spaces and urban discourses
  • 3.Setting: East London
  • 4.Methodological framework
  • 5.Constructing Banglatown
    • 5.1The civic frame: Demarcating Banglatown
    • 5.2The commercial frame: Commodification, marketplace, and ‘selling’ Bangla
    • 5.3The community frame: Ethnic presence and identity
    • 5.4The visual frame: Visual creation of the ‘exotic’
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Note
  • References
Published online: 26 March 2018
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/ll.16015.ras
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