A Study of the Linguistic Landscape of Korean Street in Guangzhou after COVID-19

Abstract

Guangzhou's Yuanjing Road, a prominent Korean community in China, has developed a unique linguistic ecology and representation through the interaction of diverse languages. This study utilises both qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate the linguistic landscape. This study aims to identify the characteristics of the linguistic landscape of Yuanjing Road, trace its development from formation to decline, and analyse the social factors driving these changes. Concurrently, this study examines the different functions of language on signage and its development in the post-pandemic context. The results reveal that after the pandemic, the linguistic landscape of Yuanjing Road remains predominantly Chinese, but there is a rising trend in the use of Korean signs. The non-Korean economic zone of Yuanjing Road has expanded, shifting the primary consumer base from Korean to Chinese, and the identity of business owners has also undergone a great change. The results demonstrate that Yuanjing Road, a main Korean center in Guangzhou, the Korean linguistic landscape transcends its original roles of information dissemination and identity representation. It now serves as a symbol of Korean culture, providing a cultural experience for visitors and fostering a stable commercial space that supports the harmonious coexistence of multiple languages in the community.