linguistic landscape
The visible display of a language (in public spaces, on shop signs, on boards, on official institutions, etc.) is part of the linguistic landscape. In most cases it also shows the power relations and social status of the different languages (minority, majority, official). The linguistic landscape of a space or area has both an informative and a symbolic role. European minority protection standards recognise that persons belonging to minorities may use the minority language in public spaces on private signs and in some cases on official signs. The way in which minority languages appear in public spaces shows the hierarchy between languages and influences the language use of minority language speakers. (See also: Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, Article 11, European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, Articles 7(1) and 10(2)