Localization of English in Linguistic Landscape in Kathmandu

Abstract

The present study entitled Localization of English in Linguistic Landscape in Kathmandu aimed to explore the way to what extent the linguistic landscape express the localization of English in Kathmandu valley. It also investigated the reasons behind the localization of English in commercial billboards. Different materials can be used in linguistics landscape but I used only public signs for consistency. One hundred signs from different commercial places were selected for the analysis of the data. Data were analyzed descriptively and thematically. The result of the study revealed that English language dominates the linguistic landscape of Kathmandu. It has also been found that the landscape of Kathmandu has presence of localized English and it surpasses other national language in the main cities where there is an ethnic majority of indigenous languages. Regarding the reasons behind the localization of linguistic landscapes; market trend, a long-stance practice, random use of English language, modern language, prestige reason, painters as policy planners, eye catchy nature of English language, and convenience for translator have been found as the major ones. The first chapter deals with the introduction of the study consists of background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research questions, significance of the study, delimitations of the study, and operational definitions of key terms. Second chapter includes the review of related literature and conceptual framework and explained linguistic landscape and World English. Also, it involves review of empirical literature, implications of the review for the study, and conceptual framework. Chapter three discusses about methods and procedures of the study. It consists of design and method of the study, population, sample and sampling strategy, sources of data, data collection tools and techniques, data collection procedures, data analysis and interpretation procedures, and ethical considerations. Fourth chapter incorporates interpretation of data where fifth chapter shows findings, conclusion and recommendations related to policy, practice and further research level. References and appendices have been included at the last part of this thesis.