Linguistic Landscape 15

Abstract

Focusing on the underexplored domain of LL in sacred spaces, this study examines Atsuta Shrine, one of the three principal shrines in the Japanese indigenous religion of Shinto. It explored what constitutes sacredness in a community, the non-commercial values conveyed therein, and who the intended audience is in this revered environment. Employing Scollon and Scollon’s (2003) theory of geosemiotics as a framework, it delves into the intricate cultural meanings intertwined within the linguistic elements of this space. Extending beyond written elements, this inquiry also encompasses the semiotic meanings embedded in material forms, such as the sacred torii gates and the untouched forest within the shrine’s precincts. Additionally, it delves into sociospatial theories to unravel the intricate connection between space, power relations, and semiotic representations within the shrine’s context. Findings underscore emphases on ritual, spirituality, community identity, and historical narratives materialized through symbolic language representations, varying linguistic choices across translations, deliberate linguistic omissions, and the interplay of sacredness, mass tourism, and nationalist sentiments within this cultural landscape.