1. The document analyzes the linguistic landscape of storefront signs in Astoria, Queens through counting and photographing the languages used and characteristics of multilingual signs. 2. It finds that most signs are monolingual with English or Arabic, but multilingual signs commonly pair English and Arabic. English has the most prominent font size overall. 3. The use of languages other than English aims to appeal to different ethnic groups in the area, with Arabic signs designating halal restaurants and some Spanish signs using a larger font size.

1. Linguistic Landscape Astoria, Queens Sarah Viola LCD 205

2. Cenoz&Gorter’s Linguistic Landscape Studied bilingual communities in Spain and Netherlands Analyzed each establishment on a main block in each area (Each establishment as a unit of analysis) Compared use of the majority and minority languages Counted and photographed each text Observed characteristics of multilingual signs Concluded that majority language was used more in both countries

3. Astoria, Queens Steinway St. between 25 & 28 Ave. Generally Egyptian/ Middle Eastern area since 1970s Known to some as “Little Cairo” Mostly bilingual area: English and Arabic Increasing Latino population in surrounding areas since 1990s English as “official” language

4. Research Questions Which languages are used on storefront signs in Astoria? What are the functions of each language? What are the characteristics of the text on multilingual signs?

5. Method Observed all signs and window text on each establishment Counted and photographed each storefront Each storefront as a unit of analysis (not entire establishment) Distinguished between monolingual and multilingual signs Identified all languages used on signs

6. Factors Considered for Each Unit of Analysis Number of languages Languages used Translation? Transliteration? Neither? Relative size of font

7. Data: Monolingual Signs Monolingual signs 55 English only 53 Arabic only (English alphabet) 2 Spanish only 0

8. Data: Multilingual Signs Multilingual signs 27 English and Arabic 24 English and Spanish 2 English, Arabic, and Spanish 1

9. Data: Translation and Transliteration Translated 11 Transliterated 7 Foreign language says something different than English 10

10. Data: Relative Font Size Same font size 5 English larger 13 Arabic larger 7 Spanish larger 2

12. Findings English the dominant language overall: more frequent in monolingual and multilingual signs; more prominent font size Non-translated Arabic texts appeal to the Arab community, i.e. designation of a restaurant as “Halal” using Arabic script Use of English transliteration makes Arabic more accessible to non-speakers or tourists

13. Findings, Cont. Two out of the three signs with Spanish text: Spanish in larger font (Other with equal size) Spanish having an increased influence in the area Spanish texts used to appeal to the increasing population

14. Conclusion Generally, the multilingual atmosphere in Astoria is created to appeal to various groups of people Although English is dominant, other languages help to welcome others to the area and create a foreign atmosphere