English as a global language in the linguistic landscape of Rome’s papal basilicas

Abstract

The linguistic landscapes of places of worship have not been the focus of extensive research when compared to street signage. This paper examines, both qualitatively and quantitatively, 323 stationary signs photographed inside and within the confines of Rome’s four major basilicas. The scope of this investigation is specifically to explore the latent message that the choice of language, and the different positions in the design of the signs, relay. The linguistic analysis reveals how the use of English is adopted by the sign writers to reflect the universality of the Catholic Church in the basilicas, despite the fact that they are all located in Rome, the capital of Italy. In parallel to this, the use of Italian is extensive, a need arising from the fact that most patrons are Italian. A plethora of other languages ranging from Chinese to other minor languages, reflects the fact that Catholicism is dispersed all over the globe. In all this, the practicality of using English so widely, clearly points to this language’s function as a global language in the contemporary world, here instrumentally used to ensure that the message reaches the audiences whose languages do not appear on the signs.