Is-senjaletika u l-amministrazzjoni pubblika

Abstract

Is-senjaletika pubblika, jiġifieri t-tabelli informattivi u direzzjonali li naraw fuq barra, fit-toroq, u fuq ġewwa, fil-binjiet pubbliċi, kif ukoll il-posters, l-istickers u kwalunkwe kitba oħra fil-pubbliku jiffurmaw dak li jissejjaħ ‘pajsaġġ lingwistiku’,38 suġġett li kulma jmur qed jiġi rriċerkat dejjem aktar. It-tabelli pubbliċi huma fost l-iżjed modi immedjati u viżibbli li bihom l-amministrazzjoni tikkomunika man-nies fil-ħajja ta’ kuljum. Jiffaċilitaw ir-relazzjoni ta’ bejn l-entitajiet pubbliċi u l-pubbliku għax jittraduċu partijiet minn liġijiet u regolamenti twal f’messaġġi qosra (Landry u Bourhis, 1997). [silta]

This presentation delved into the "linguistic landscape", in other words the analysis of language display in public spaces (road signs, billboards, hospital notices). The authors argued that public signage is not merely functional; it transforms geographical space into social space.

• De Jure vs. De Facto: Signage provides evidence of which languages are actually used in practice versus those recognised by law. If a hospital only has signs in English, it sends a message that Maltese is not a language of medicine.

• Design as Policy: The visual hierarchy matters. If Maltese is displayed in a smaller font, or in italics below the English, it signals a "subordinate" status.

• The Standard: The authors presented a ten-point standard for bilingual signage [excerpt]