Representation in the online linguistic landscape of Midwestern and Southeastern HSIs
Location
FA-152
Department
Linguistics
Abstract
The aim of this presentation is to juxtapose the online linguistic landscape (OLL) of Southeastern and Midwestern Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and to compare what function languages other than English (LOTEs), specifically Spanish, serve in the context of the schools’ websites.This function can be described as either emblematic or communicative in its dispersal throughout the schoolscape (Giacon, 2020, Gorter, 2023). Emblematic signage can range from solely images of LOTEs to vague motivational phrases (East-West University), whereas that which is communicative serves a more informational purpose, e.g., financial aid information (Dalton State College). As of 2023, Illinois has 17 new HSIs, according to the HACU website; adding to the research Dr. Richard Hallett and his then research assistant began in 2021-22, this study includes the scouring and data logging of the LOTEs found in these Midwestern HSIs. Analysis of this new data reveals these institutions’ dispositions towards their duty as HSIs. The findings, which are very much similar to those found by Dr. Hallett’s previous research assistant, are merely solidified by this extra data. When the LOTEs proved to be communicative, the language and intended audience was aligned differently between Midwestern and Southeastern HSIs. The Midwestern HSIs are more closely geared towards nontraditional, immigrant, and adult students. The signage, when available, in the Southeastern HSIs, however, was directed towards a more traditional student audience. Though these findings are not revolutionary, it is interesting to note that, even with the addition of the new data from recently-emerged HSIs from the Midwest, the results seem to be relatively the same as those found previously.
Faculty Sponsor
Richard Hallett
Representation in the online linguistic landscape of Midwestern and Southeastern HSIs
FA-152
The aim of this presentation is to juxtapose the online linguistic landscape (OLL) of Southeastern and Midwestern Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and to compare what function languages other than English (LOTEs), specifically Spanish, serve in the context of the schools’ websites.This function can be described as either emblematic or communicative in its dispersal throughout the schoolscape (Giacon, 2020, Gorter, 2023). Emblematic signage can range from solely images of LOTEs to vague motivational phrases (East-West University), whereas that which is communicative serves a more informational purpose, e.g., financial aid information (Dalton State College). As of 2023, Illinois has 17 new HSIs, according to the HACU website; adding to the research Dr. Richard Hallett and his then research assistant began in 2021-22, this study includes the scouring and data logging of the LOTEs found in these Midwestern HSIs. Analysis of this new data reveals these institutions’ dispositions towards their duty as HSIs. The findings, which are very much similar to those found by Dr. Hallett’s previous research assistant, are merely solidified by this extra data. When the LOTEs proved to be communicative, the language and intended audience was aligned differently between Midwestern and Southeastern HSIs. The Midwestern HSIs are more closely geared towards nontraditional, immigrant, and adult students. The signage, when available, in the Southeastern HSIs, however, was directed towards a more traditional student audience. Though these findings are not revolutionary, it is interesting to note that, even with the addition of the new data from recently-emerged HSIs from the Midwest, the results seem to be relatively the same as those found previously.