The Role of Signboards in Public Spaces: a Geosemiotic Study of Gaia Bumi Raya Shopping Center
Agus Syahrani − Dhea Pratiwi Murti − Dedy Ari Asfar − Ermanto − Havid Ardi
DOI: 10.18355/XL.2025.18.02.18
Abstract
A signboard is a commonplace landmark in our everyday lives that has a purpose that is frequently overlooked. Using a geosemiotics theory approach, this study aims to clarify signboards' vital role in public areas, whether they are found adorning modern commercial centers or tourist locations. The purpose of this article is to highlight how important it is to pay attention to the wording that these signboards use. The research approach entails taking pictures of different signs around Gaia Bumi Raya and then utilizing the geosemiotic analysis method to analyze the data that has been gathered qualitatively. Writings on banners, booklets, directional signboards, and place-specific signboards are all included in the data. With 24 multilingual signboards, 138 monolingual signboards, 59 signs, and 99 signboards at stall sites, the results show a varied landscape. The signboards located in Gaia Bumi Raya are of particular significance as they serve as vital means of communication within the contemporary shopping area.
Key words: geosemiotics, signboard, public spaces, Gaia, shopping center, linguistic landscape