The Language of the English Street Sign

Vivian Cook

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Paperback

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English

Multilingual Matters
21 March 2022

Bilingualism & multilingualism; Semiotics & semiology; Social & cultural history

This book opens readers' eyes to something they see all the time but take for granted: street signs. It is a portrait of the signs on modern English streets: what they look like, who and what they are for, how they link to English history and how they form part of life in multilingual England today. It describes how their shapes, materials, letters, vocabulary, and grammar differ from other forms of written English, using a framework based on linguistics, typography and writing systems research. It provides readable and entertaining insights into an important use of written English, illustrated with over 400 examples of street signs. The book represents a starting point for the study of street signs as an academic area in its own right.

By: Vivian Cook
Imprint: Multilingual Matters
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 225mm, Width: 170mm, Spine: 11mm
Weight: 353g
ISBN: 9781800414556
ISBN 10: 1800414552
Pages: 216
Publication Date: 21 March 2022
Audience: College/higher education , General/trade , Professional and scholarly , Further / Higher Education , A / AS level
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Vivian Cook was Emeritus Professor of Applied Linguistics at Newcastle University, UK. He was known for his work on second language acquisition, particularly for the concept of multi-competence, and wrote technical textbooks and popular books on areas of linguistics ranging from intonation to first language acquisition to spelling.

Reviews for The Language of the English Street Sign

'Fifth Avenue' - what could be more tedious! Other than Manhattan and Kyoto where streets are just numbered, notable cities use street names. And they know why, as does Vivian Cook. Street signs are a treasure trove of linguistic, societal, historical, political and commercial knowledge. In this book he takes us on a multidisciplinary adventure trip to decode the wonders of written signs in public places. Trust the guide! * Florian Coulmas, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany * Vivian Cook has given us an excellent primer for the study of displayed writing. Based on a wealth of examples collected from two English cities, it will be a long-standing reference for novices and seasoned scholars of public signage in linguistics and other disciplines. * Adam Jaworski, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong * In this fascinating book, Cook takes readers for a walk in two British towns to discover street sign research. With encyclopaedic knowledge, enthusiasm and his signature humour, Cook analyses a wealth of fascinating examples - from hand-scribbled notices to stone-engraved mottos - drawing from his quarter-of-a-century-long inquiry into written language, discussing linguistics, psychology, marketing, aesthetics, politics and more. Our mindless wanderings around town will never be the same again. * Bene Bassetti, University of Birmingham, UK *