Diane Elizabeth Johnson's book explores the use of language in public spaces in the Pacific region, highlighting the ways in which hegemonic structures may be established, reinforced, and contested. It introduces the case studies in the context of critical discourse theory and research on linguistic landscapes, and urges readers to listen carefully to the voices of indigenous peoples.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Linguistic Landscaping and the Pacific Region: Colonization, Indigenous Identities, and Critical Discourse Theory by Diane Elizabeth Johnson presents four case studies that examine the use of language in public spaces in the Pacific region, where colonization has had a significant impact. Each study is informed by critical discourse theory, which highlights the ways in which hegemonic structures can be established, reinforced, and challenged, particularly during times of crisis. The book introduces the case studies in the context of a parallel introduction to the Pacific region, critical discourse theory, and research on linguistic landscapes. It is accessible to students and others who are approaching these contexts and theories for the first time, while also locating the author's work in relation to existing scholarship. Johnson urges readers to listen carefully to the voices of indigenous peoples at a time when the danger of Western certainties has been fully exposed.

Linguistic Landscaping and the Pacific Region: Colonization, Indigenous Identities, and Critical Discourse Theory

Diane Elizabeth Johnson's book, Linguistic Landscaping and the Pacific Region: Colonization, Indigenous Identities, and Critical Discourse Theory, provides a comprehensive exploration of the use of language in public spaces in the Pacific region, where colonization has played a significant role. The book includes four case studies that examine the use of language in the Kingdom of Hawai'i/Hawai'i, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Kanaky/New Caledonia, and Tahiti. Each study is informed by critical discourse theory, which highlights the ways in which hegemonic structures can be established, reinforced, and challenged, particularly during times of crisis. The book introduces the case studies in the context of a parallel introduction to the Pacific region, critical discourse theory, and research on linguistic landscapes. It is accessible to students and others who are approaching these contexts and theories for the first time, while also locating the author's work in relation to existing scholarship. Johnson urges readers to listen carefully to the voices of indigenous peoples at a time when the danger of Western certainties has been fully exposed.

The Kingdom of Hawai'i/Hawai'i

The Kingdom of Hawai'i/Hawai'i is the first case study in the book. Johnson explores the use of language in public spaces in the Kingdom of Hawai'i/Hawai'i, including the use of Hawaiian language, English, and other languages. She highlights the ways in which language can be used to create a sense of identity and belonging, as well as to promote social and political change. Johnson also discusses the ways in which language can be used to perpetuate colonialism and oppression, particularly in the context of the Hawaiian Kingdom's annexation by the United States in 1898. She argues that language can be a powerful tool for resistance and that indigenous peoples have a right to use their language in public spaces. Johnson provides examples of how indigenous peoples have used language to resist colonialism and oppression, including the use of Hawaiian language in protests and demonstrations. She also discusses the ways in which language can be used to promote cultural diversity and heritage. Johnson's analysis of the use of language in the Kingdom of Hawai'i/Hawai'i is informed by critical discourse theory, which highlights the ways in which hegemonic structures can be established, reinforced, and challenged. She argues that language can be used to create a sense of identity and belonging, as well as to promote social and political change, but that it can also be used to perpetuate colonialism and oppression. Johnson's analysis of the use of language in the Kingdom of Hawai'i/Hawai'i is a valuable contribution to the field of linguistic landscaping and the Pacific region.

Aotearoa/New Zealand

Aotearoa/New Zealand is the second case study in the book. Johnson explores the use of language in public spaces in Aotearoa/New Zealand, including the use of Maori language, English, and other languages. She highlights the ways in which language can be used to create a sense of identity and belonging, as well as to promote social and political change. Johnson also discusses the ways in which language can be used to perpetuate colonialism and oppression, particularly in the context of the Treaty of Waitangi, which was signed between the British Crown and Maori tribes in 1840. She argues that language can be a powerful tool for resistance and that indigenous peoples have a right to use their language in public spaces. Johnson provides examples of how indigenous peoples have used language to resist colonialism and oppression, including the use of Maori language in protests and demonstrations. She also discusses the ways in which language can be used to promote cultural diversity and heritage. Johnson's analysis of the use of language in Aotearoa/New Zealand is informed by critical discourse theory, which highlights the ways in which hegemonic structures can be established, reinforced, and challenged. She argues that language can be used to create a sense of identity and belonging, as well as to promote social and political change, but that it can also be used to perpetuate colonialism and oppression. Johnson's analysis of the use of language in Aotearoa/New Zealand is a valuable contribution to the field of linguistic landscaping and the Pacific region.

Kanaky/New Caledonia

Kanaky/New Caledonia is the third case study in the book. Johnson explores the use of language in public spaces in Kanaky/New Caledonia, including the use of Kanak language, English, and other languages. She highlights the ways in which language can be used to create a sense of identity and belonging, as well as to promote social and political change. Johnson also discusses the ways in which language can be used to perpetuate colonialism and oppression, particularly in the context of the French colonial period in New Caledonia. She argues that language can be a powerful tool for resistance and that indigenous peoples have a right to use their language in public spaces. Johnson provides examples of how indigenous peoples have used language to resist colonialism and oppression, including the use of Kanak language in protests and demonstrations. She also discusses the ways in which language can be used to promote cultural diversity and heritage. Johnson's analysis of the use of language in Kanaky/New Caledonia is informed by critical discourse theory, which highlights the ways in which hegemonic structures can be established, reinforced, and challenged. She argues that language can be used to create a sense of identity and belonging, as well as to promote social and political change, but that it can also be used to perpetuate colonialism and oppression. Johnson's analysis of the use of language in Kanaky/New Caledonia is a valuable contribution to the field of linguistic landscaping and the Pacific region.

Tahiti

Tahiti is the fourth case study in the book. Johnson explores the use of language in public spaces in Tahiti, including the use of Tahitian language, English, and other languages. She highlights the ways in which language can be used to create a sense of identity and belonging, as well as to promote social and political change. Johnson also discusses the ways in which language can be used to perpetuate colonialism and oppression, particularly in the context of the French colonial period in Tahiti. She argues that language can be a powerful tool for resistance and that indigenous peoples have a right to use their language in public spaces. Johnson provides examples of how indigenous peoples have used language to resist colonialism and oppression, including the use of Tahitian language in protests and demonstrations. She also discusses the ways in which language can be used to promote cultural diversity and heritage. Johnson's analysis of the use of language in Tahiti is informed by critical discourse theory, which highlights the ways in which hegemonic structures can be established, reinforced, and challenged. She argues that language can be used to create a sense of identity and belonging, as well as to promote social and political change, but that it can also be used to perpetuate colonialism and oppression. Johnson's analysis of the use of language in Tahiti is a valuable contribution to the field of linguistic landscaping and the Pacific region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Diane Elizabeth Johnson's book, Linguistic Landscaping and the Pacific Region: Colonization, Indigenous Identities, and Critical Discourse Theory, provides a comprehensive exploration of the use of language in public spaces in the Pacific region, where colonization has played a significant role. The book includes four case studies that examine the use of language in the Kingdom of Hawai'i/Hawai'i, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Kanaky/New Caledonia, and Tahiti. Each study is informed by critical discourse theory, which highlights the ways in which hegemonic structures can be established, reinforced, and challenged, particularly during times of crisis. The book introduces the case studies in the context of a parallel introduction to the Pacific region, critical discourse theory, and research on linguistic landscapes. It is accessible to students and others who are approaching these contexts and theories for the first time, while also locating the author's work in relation to existing scholarship. Johnson urges readers to listen carefully to the voices of indigenous peoples at a time when the danger of Western certainties has been fully exposed.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793611208