A Linguistic Landscape Analysis: Tendencies in the Use of Gairaigo (外来語) in Public Signage at Haneda International Airport

Abstract

This study analyzes the use of loanwords or gairaigo (外来語) in public signage at Haneda International
Airport through the perspective of Linguistic Landscape studies. This study aims to analyse the
tendencies in the use of gairaigo in public signage at Haneda International Airport. This research
employs a quantitative descriptive method. The research data consist of public signage containing
gairaigo found in Terminals 2 and 3 of Haneda International Airport. A total of 320 public signage
containing 366 gairaigo were identified in this study. The data were collected through observation and
documentation. The public signage data were analyzed by classifying them according to the producing
authority, language display, and function. Furthermore, the gairaigo identified in the public signage
were analyzed and subsequently classified based on their origin language and type. The findings were
then analyzed using frequency and percentage analyses to identify tendencies in the use of gairaigo in
public signage. The findings indicate that the use of gairaigo in public signage is predominantly found
in informational signage, is mainly produces by official authorities, and tends to appear in bilingual
language displays containing Japanese and English. The identified gairaigo are also predominantly
derived from English and generally possess equivalents in native Japanese vocabulary (wago/kango).

Keywords: gairaigo, linguistic landscape, public signage, Haneda International Airport