37.1244, Diss: General Linguistics: Chrismi-Rinda Loth: "The Linguistic Landscape of Rural South Africa after 1994: A Case Study of Philippolis"

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LINGUIST List: Vol-37-1244. Fri Mar 27 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.1244, Diss: General Linguistics: Chrismi-Rinda Loth: "The Linguistic Landscape of Rural South Africa after 1994: A Case Study of Philippolis"

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Date: 27-Mar-2026
From: Chrismi-Rinda Loth [LothC at ufs.ac.za]
Subject: The Linguistic Landscape of Rural South Africa after 1994: A Case Study of Philippolis


Institution: University of the Free State (Bloemfontein, South Africa)
Masters Degree (Linguistics and Language Practice)
Degree Date: 2010

Dissertation Title: The Linguistic Landscape of Rural South Africa
after 1994: A Case Study of Philippolis

Dissertation URL: http://hdl.handle.net/11660/1997

Linguistic Field(s): General Linguistics

Dissertation Director(s): Theodorus du Plessis

Dissertation Abstract:

Linguistic landscape (LL) research is a recent development in the
field of sociolinguistics. The LL is written language in the public
space; and the study thereof focuses on the linguistic choices in the
LL and the motivations behind these choices. Language in the LL has
unique semiotic properties and the LL hence offers a new approach to
investigate sociolinguistic themes. The themes most commonly addressed
are language policy and linguistic diversity.
As a result of the bidirectional relationship between the LL and
society, the LL not only reflects societal changes (informational
function), but also shapes society (symbolic function). This is
usually by expressing, creating and maintaining power relations and
concepts of identity. The drastic transformation in South Africa from
apartheid to democracy in 1994 was accompanied by, amongst other
changes, the introduction of an innovative language policy, new power
relations and changed perceptions of identity. The hypothesis is that
these changes will impact on the LL. The LL in Philippolis is
investigated with the aim to determine whether these changes indeed
influence the LL, and if so, in what manner.
This case study extends LL research to rural areas. Philippolis,
although a typical small Free State town, also carries historical
significance both in terms of population migrations and the role it
played in the early development of the Free State Province. Like many
other towns, the three neighbourhoods are still divided according to
ethno-linguistic boundaries (white, coloured, and black), a remnant
from the segregation policy of the previous regime. These three
neighbourhoods constitute the survey area (research sites).
The combined qualitative/quantitative approach includes a triangulated
methodology. A complete inventory of the LL of these three sites was
compiled on 20 and 21 May 2008. Only signs displaying Afrikaans,
English, and/or African languages (533 in total) are considered for
the analysis. The data are codified according to agency (top-down and
bottom-up initiatives); code preference (by agency and by research
site); and multilingualism (combinations of languages). The data are
approached by firstly examining the current LL and secondly, by
analysing the LL items that can be clearly perceived as either before
or after 1994. The research parameters within which the data are
interpreted, are agency (by whom is the LL created), readership (for
whom the LL is created), and LL dynamics (in the light of the
dialectic between the LL and society). The interpretation focuses on
the motivations behind the language choices, whether pragmatic or
symbolic. The findings are verified against the administrative,
demographic and historical background.
The discrepancy between the de jure and de facto language policy, as
well as between the demographic census data and the presentation of
ethnolinguistic communities in the LL; indicates that certain
ideologies are at work. These ideologies are found to centre on
language attitudes, power relations, and concepts of identity. The
absence of African languages indicates that these languages are
stigmatised, whilst the prevalence of English confirms its status as
the language of wider communication and of prestige. The white
Afrikaans speaking group is still the socio-economically dominant
group, but the black population is an emerging socio-political power.
It is obvious that they view themselves as such by their choice to
associate with English.
This study contributes to the field by expanding research on the LL of
South Africa as well as on areas that are considered rural. It
furthers the understanding of the transforming, post-apartheid South
African society; as well as the sociolinguistic understanding of the
relationship between language, and power and identity. It also hopes
to contribute to the creation of a consistent methodology for the
field.



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