Short answer

Incorporate local languages and scripts into signage design for tourism destinations to authentically represent and promote cultural identity.

Field
Classic Design
Source
Indonesian Journal of EFL and Linguistics (2025)
Method
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of semiotic resources
Sample
182 signs
Evidence
Strong effect

Integrating multiple languages and scripts on signage in rural tourism destinations can effectively showcase and reinforce local cultural identity. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in Indonesian Journal of EFL and Linguistics. Using Qualitative and quantitative analysis of semiotic resources with 182 signs, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate local languages and scripts into signage design for tourism destinations to authentically represent and promote cultural identity.

Study
Classic DesignNew This WeekStrong effect

Multilingual Signage Enhances Cultural Identity in Rural Tourism

Integrating multiple languages and scripts on signage in rural tourism destinations can effectively showcase and reinforce local cultural identity.

Indonesian Journal of EFL and Linguistics · 2025

01

Key Findings

  • 01A significant majority (71%) of signage in the studied area was bilingual or multilingual, combining Indonesian, English, Sundanese, and old Sundanese scripts.
  • 02The prevalent use of local languages (Indonesian and Sundanese) on signage strongly indicated and promoted the local cultural heritage and identity.
  • 03The community's involvement in public signage creation demonstrated distributed power and labor in showcasing heritage.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Incorporate local languages and scripts into signage design for tourism destinations to authentically represent and promote cultural identity.

How to apply

When designing for cultural tourism, research the dominant and heritage languages of the region and consider their integration into visual communication elements like signage, brochures, and digital interfaces.

Project actions

  • 01When choosing a design project related to cultural heritage, consider how language can be a design element.
  • 02Think about how different languages and scripts can be visually combined in your designs.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow do translanguaging practices in rural tourism linguistic landscapes contribute to showcasing cultural identity?
MethodQualitative and quantitative analysis of semiotic resources
ProcedureResearchers analyzed signage in a rural tourism area, documenting the languages and scripts used. They also conducted interviews with tourism managers, staff, and local elders to understand the motivations and impact of these linguistic choices on cultural identity presentation.
Sample182 signs
ContextRural tourism linguistic landscape

Variables

IVTranslanguaging practices (use of multiple languages/scripts on signage)
DVShowcasing of cultural identity
CVLocation (rural tourism area), type of signage, stakeholders interviewed
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Combines qualitative and quantitative data for a comprehensive analysis.
  • +Utilizes a theoretical framework (Activity Theory) to explain findings.

Limitations

The specific languages and cultural context of this study might not directly apply to all design projects.

Reliability & validity

Reliability could be enhanced by having multiple coders analyze the signage for language use. Validity is supported by triangulating data from signage analysis and interviews.

Think critically

To what extent does the dominance of official languages on signage in other contexts hinder the showcasing of local cultural identity?

05

Design Principles

"Linguistic diversity in signage can serve as a powerful semiotic resource for cultural identity expression."

Designers involved in branding and wayfinding for cultural heritage sites or tourism initiatives can leverage linguistic diversity as a design element. This approach not only aids navigation but also enriches the visitor experience by communicating authenticity and local distinctiveness.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Using different languages on signs in tourist spots helps show off the local culture and makes the place feel more authentic.

How to use in your project

  • 1.You can use this research to justify the inclusion of specific linguistic elements in your design, arguing that it enhances cultural representation and visitor engagement.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The study by Wirza et al. (2025) highlights that the strategic use of translanguaging in signage within rural tourism landscapes can significantly bolster the presentation of local cultural identity. By integrating multiple languages and scripts, designers can create a more authentic and engaging experience for visitors, reinforcing the unique heritage of a destination.

09

Source

Indonesian Journal of EFL and Linguistics

Translanguaging Practices in the Rural Tourism Linguistic Landscape in Showcasing Cultural Identity: An Activity Theory Analysis

journal · 2025

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about multilingual signage enhances cultural identity in rural tourism?
Incorporate local languages and scripts into signage design for tourism destinations to authentically represent and promote cultural identity. Evidence: Indonesian Journal of EFL and Linguistics (2025).
Why does "Multilingual Signage Enhances Cultural Identity in Rural Tourism" matter for design?
Designers involved in branding and wayfinding for cultural heritage sites or tourism initiatives can leverage linguistic diversity as a design element. This approach not only aids navigation but also enriches the visitor experience by communicating authenticity and local distinctiveness.
How can designers apply this research?
Incorporate local languages and scripts into signage design for tourism destinations to authentically represent and promote cultural identity.
What were the main findings?
A significant majority (71%) of signage in the studied area was bilingual or multilingual, combining Indonesian, English, Sundanese, and old Sundanese scripts.. The prevalent use of local languages (Indonesian and Sundanese) on signage strongly indicated and promoted the local cultural heritage and identity.. The community's involvement in public signage creation demonstrated distributed power and labor in showcasing heritage.
What research method was used?
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of semiotic resources with 182 signs.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from Indonesian Journal of EFL and Linguistics.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing for cultural tourism, research the dominant and heritage languages of the region and consider their integration into visual communication elements like signage, brochures, and digital interfaces.
What are the limitations?
The study focused on a specific rural tourism area, and findings may vary in different cultural or linguistic contexts.