Styling mono-/bi-/multilingualism in the signs of plurilingual landscapes in Hong Kong: variability and socio-indexical meanings

• Gonzales, Wilkinson Daniel Wong ^[1] ; Yuen, Ying Circle ^[1] ; Ou, Shufen ^[1] ; Zhou, Shenyan ^[1]
  1. [1] Chinese University of Hong Kong

     Chinese University of Hong Kong

     RAE de Hong Kong (China)

     
• Localización: International journal of multilingualism, ISSN 1479-0718, Vol. 23, Nº. 1, 2026, págs. 442-482
• Idioma: inglés
• DOI: 10.1080/14790718.2025.2516543
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • This study investigates the semiotic functions of ‘degree of multilingualism’ (i.e. mono-/bi-/multilingualism) in Hong Kong’s plurilingual landscape. Using linguistic landscape data from Mong Kok (MK), Tin Shui Wai (TSW), and Discovery Bay (DB), we operationalise mono-/bi- and multilingualism as a macro-stylistic resource encoding socio-indexical meanings. Using a mixed-methods approach – combining quantitative, semiotic, and ethnographic analysis – we examine (1) distributional patterns of signs, (2) socio-spatial factors shaping linguistic styling, and (3) the socio-indexical meanings of linguistic choices. Findings reveal notable regional differentiation: MK’s high multilingualism aligns with its commercial vibrancy and cosmopolitan ethos; TSW’s monolingual Chinese signage indexes local identity and Mainland influence; DB’s near-exclusive English use reinforces its expatriate enclave status. Beyond communication, language works hand-in-hand with other semiotic choices to express meanings such as authenticity and prestige. However, the meanings are far from static: for example, while multilingualism often signals cosmopolitanism, in contexts like TSW, it can index commodification and low prestige. These findings contribute to the socio-indexical model of mono-/bi-, and multilingualism advanced here, demonstrating how ‘degree of multilingualism’ operates as a dynamic semiotic resource. By extending indexicality frameworks in (variationist) sociolinguistics to linguistic landscape research, this work underscores the fluid and context-dependent nature of multilingualism as a socially meaningful practice.

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