Public signs in Purwokerto parks

a linguistic landscape study

Abstract

This study is aimed at describing public signage in two major city parks in Purwokerto, including  Taman Andhang Pangrenan and Taman Apung Maskemambang, focusing on types, functions, and language use. Applying qualitative approach, this study surveyed the spots and corners in these two parks, and collected data in the form of language use there. It only took the words and phrases as part of the public signs, and did not consider other elements within. The collected data were then categorized based on their types, function, and language. Based on the analysis, 24 signs collected can be categorized into six types: Signs of Place Name (12.5%), Signs of Information (20.83%), Signs of Map (4.17%), Signs of Warning (12.5%), Signs of Don’t (29.17%), and Signs of Appeal (20.83%). These signs serve three primary functions: informational, behavioral, and regulatory. In terms of language, monolingual Indonesian signs dominate (8 signs), followed by bilingual Indonesian-English signs (5 signs) and Javanese-origin names (2 signs). The use of Javanese names such as Andhang Pangrenan and Mas Kemambang carries deep cultural meanings that reflect local identity and regional pride. This finding suggests that the linguistic landscape of Purwokerto not only serves communicative and regulatory purposes but also represents cultural preservation through language. The study underscores the importance of top-down signage in guiding, informing, and regulating visitor behavior while highlighting the role of local language in constructing cultural identity.