English as a Lingua Franca in the Linguistic Landscape of Lop Buri's Tourist Attractions
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Abstract
This study investigates English as a lingua franca in the linguistic landscape (LL) of tourist attractions in Lop Buri Province, Thailand. Using a mixed-methods approach, 211 signs from 24 sites were analyzed across historical, natural, recreational, and transportation settings. The findings show that most signs primarily serve informative functions, while symbolic, commercial, and mythological signs appear less frequently, reflecting English's practical orientation in local tourism communication. Translation strategies predominantly follow duplicating patterns, with limited use of fragmentary, overlapping, and complementary approaches. English is employed both as a prestige language and as a lingua franca for intercultural communication. However, variation in transliteration, spelling, and phrasing reveals local adaptation and a lack of standardization. This study addresses the gap in LL research beyond metropolitan areas by examining a semi-urban heritage site and considering how English functions as a lingua franca within a multilingual and culturally rich context. This study not only provides insights into Lop Buri’s linguistic landscape but also contributes to broader debates on English as a lingua franca in tourism contexts.
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