With your class partner, conduct and write up (mainly in Arabic) an investigation/analysis into the linguistic landscape of a street, intersection, or neighborhood in Doha or elsewhere if you are traveling. Its a good idea to choose an area that you expect will have some degree of multilingualism in the LL and probably with lots of shops and restaurants, and, therefore, signs. Some examples in Doha might include (e.g., Souq Waqif, Katara, Hamad International Airport, etc.).
What kind of signs do you see? What languages are present? Are there any interesting uses of language in the top-down or bottom-up LL? In other words, find some examples of multilingualism in the landscape, draw some conclusions about them, and justify your conclusions with references to the data itself and concepts we have discussed in class (top-down, bottom-up, language policy, connections to cultural identity, etc.) Include pictures to support your analysis. Aim for about 3-4 pages, and be sure to give some brief (no more than a paragraph) context about the area you choose.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Investigating the Linguistic Landscape of Souq Waqif in Doha
Introduction
In the heart of Doha, Qatar, lies Souq Waqif, a vibrant marketplace that has been a center of trade and social activity for centuries. Known for its traditional Qatari architecture, bustling alleys, and lively atmosphere, Souq Waqif attracts locals and tourists alike. This iconic location provides a rich tapestry of linguistic diversity, reflecting the multicultural fabric of the city. In this investigation, we delve into the linguistic landscape of Souq Waqif to unravel the various languages present in signs, explore the nuances of multilingualism in this urban space, and analyze the implications on cultural identity and language policy.
Linguistic Diversity in Signs
As we navigate through the alleys of Souq Waqif, the linguistic landscape unfolds before us. Signs adorned with Arabic script dominate the visual landscape, serving as a testament to the cultural heritage of Qatar. Arabic, as the official language of the country, is prominently displayed in shop names, street signs, and advertisements. However, alongside Arabic, we encounter a mosaic of languages that mirror the cosmopolitan nature of Doha.
English emerges as the primary foreign language used in signage, catering to the diverse expatriate population and international visitors. From boutique shops to restaurants, English signs are ubiquitous, reflecting Qatar’s position as a global hub for business and tourism. Additionally, we observe signs in Hindi, Urdu, and Bengali, catering to the significant South Asian community in Qatar. These languages not only serve practical purposes but also signify the cultural richness brought by expatriate communities to the local landscape.
Multilingualism and Cultural Identity
The multilingual signage in Souq Waqif is not merely a display of linguistic diversity but also a reflection of cultural identity and social dynamics. The coexistence of multiple languages signifies a harmonious blending of cultures within this urban space. It creates a sense of inclusivity and belonging for residents from diverse linguistic backgrounds, fostering a cosmopolitan ethos in the heart of Doha.
Moreover, the presence of different languages in signage fosters cultural exchange and mutual understanding among community members. Visitors and residents alike are exposed to various linguistic expressions, enriching their cultural experiences and promoting intercultural dialogue. This linguistic diversity not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of Souq Waqif but also contributes to its reputation as a melting pot of traditions and languages.
Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Linguistic Landscape
The linguistic landscape of Souq Waqif embodies a dynamic interplay between top-down language policies and bottom-up grassroots initiatives. While Arabic maintains its dominance in official signage due to government regulations and cultural norms, the proliferation of English and other languages can be attributed to market forces and community preferences. Shop owners strategically choose languages for signage based on their target audiences, economic considerations, and personal affiliations.
The bottom-up aspect of the linguistic landscape is evident in the organic emergence of multilingual signs through interactions between diverse stakeholders in Souq Waqif. The negotiation of languages in signage reflects the complex sociolinguistic dynamics at play in this urban space, where individuals assert their linguistic identities while navigating societal expectations and commercial interests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the linguistic landscape of Souq Waqif serves as a microcosm of Qatar’s multicultural society, where languages intersect to create a vibrant tapestry of communication. The diverse signage reflects not only linguistic diversity but also cultural identity, social interactions, and economic dynamics within this urban space. By analyzing the multilingualism in Souq Waqif through the lens of top-down and bottom-up language influences, we gain insights into the complex interplay of language policies, cultural identities, and community practices shaping the linguistic landscape of Doha.
Through this investigation, we have highlighted how the linguistic landscape of Souq Waqif embodies a harmonious coexistence of languages that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusivity, and enriches cultural exchanges. As we continue to explore urban spaces through a linguistic lens, we deepen our understanding of how languages shape our perceptions, interactions, and sense of belonging within diverse communities.
Souq Waqif
In this analysis, we have uncovered the intricate nuances of language presence in Souq Waqif, underscoring its significance in reflecting cultural identities, fostering social cohesion, and influencing urban dynamics. The exploration of linguistic landscapes not only provides a window into the multicultural fabric of societies but also offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of language policies, cultural practices, and community interactions shaping our urban environments.
