Language and Linguistic Landscapes

The written word can be found on the landscape in great abundance. Signs can be read of course, but to the deft reader of the built landscape, words often tell only part of the story. Other elements of signage, such as the material used in the sign, the font style, and location of the sign contribute to the overall meaning of the landscape. Sometimes words supplement and enhance the meaning of a landscape. Sometimes words on the landscape are contradicted by other messages and meanings evoked by the built environment.