The Language of the English Street Sign

This book explores the design, history, and linguistic features of street signs in modern English-speaking countries, providing insights into an often-overlooked aspect of written English. It offers a comprehensive framework for analyzing street signs based on linguistics, typography, and writing systems research, and is illustrated with over 400 examples.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

Street signs are something we see every day but often take for granted. This captivating book delves into the world of modern English street signs, offering a comprehensive portrait of these ubiquitous symbols. It explores the appearance, purpose, historical connections, and cultural significance of street signs in multilingual England. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the book examines the unique characteristics of street signs, including their shapes, materials, lettering, vocabulary, and grammar. It sheds light on how these signs differ from other forms of written English and provides valuable insights into their linguistic and typographic aspects.

Packed with over 400 captivating examples, the book offers a readable and entertaining exploration of street signs. It serves as a valuable starting point for scholars interested in studying street signs as an academic field in its own right. By examining the visual language of street signs, this book provides a deeper understanding of the ways in which language and communication shape our urban environments. Whether you're a language enthusiast, a typography buff, or simply curious about the world around you, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a fresh perspective on the role of street signs in our lives.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 177 x 224 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800414556