Overview

In Linguistic Landscaping and the Pacific Region: Colonization, Indigenous Identities, and Critical Discourse Theory, Diane Elizabeth Johnson provides four case studies, each exploring the use of language in public spaces in an area of the Pacific in which colonization has played a major role: The Kingdom of Hawai‘i/Hawai‘i, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Kanaky/New Caledonia, and Tahiti. Each of these studies is informed by critical discourse theory, highlighting the ways in which hegemonic structures may be established, reinforced, and— particularly in times of crisis—contested and overturned. The book introduces the case studies in the context of a parallel introduction to the Pacific region, critical discourse theory, and research on linguistic landscapes. The critical discussion is accessible to students and others who are approaching these contexts and theories for the first time, while also locating the author’s work in relation to existing scholarship. Johnson urges readers to listen carefully to the voices of indigenous peoples at a time when the danger of Western certainties has been fully exposed.

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9781793611208

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This book brings together an excellent collection of studies on the linguistic landscape of several Pacific nations and their peoples. It reflects on the impact of colonization and discusses how a colonized people 'struggle to assert their voices in the face of dominant colonial authorities and ideologies.' The author has cleverly used the linguistic landscape to showcase the determination of these Pacific nations and peoples to reclaim what has almost been lost. An insightful and thought-provoking read. -- Sophie Nock, Ngati Kuri, University of Waikato Johnson offers a brilliant and intriguing theory of the significance of Indigenous languages from an interdisciplinary approach. Through her definition of linguistic landscape, the author engages the reader in critical discussions of the correlations between the concept of traditional Indigenous lands and the historical attempts of European colonization. An inspiring component of the book is Johnson's examination of the role Indigenous languages have played in contemporary public demonstrations for the protection of sacred lands and other acts of resistance. This book confirms how language is a major weapon for Indigenous empowerment. An excellent resource to the field of Indigenous studies. -- Deirdre A. Almeida, Eastern Washington University He tuhinga whaimana tenei, e whakaata ana i te mana o te kaituhi, i te mana o ana whakaaro ki te mana o nga reo o nga iwi mana o Te Moananui-a-Kiwa. Tihei mauri ora! This is a text of much 'mana', which mirrors the 'mana' of the writer. The 'mana' of her consideration towards the 'mana' of the contexts of the languages of the people of 'mana' of the Pacific region. As a former student and friend of Di Johnson I remember her as a dynamic, interactive, creative, flexible, enjoyable, collaborative, and relevant teacher and friend! Her exploration of the rich linguistic landscape of the Pacific region is itself rich in her sharing of her views of issues relating to power, loss, reclamation, and identity. -- Tom Roa, University of Waikato

"""This book brings together an excellent collection of studies on the linguistic landscape of several Pacific nations and their peoples. It reflects on the impact of colonization and discusses how a colonized people 'struggle to assert their voices in the face of dominant colonial authorities and ideologies.' The author has cleverly used the linguistic landscape to showcase the determination of these Pacific nations and peoples to reclaim what has almost been lost. An insightful and thought-provoking read."" -- Sophie Nock, Ngāti Kurī, University of Waikato ""Johnson offers a brilliant and intriguing theory of the significance of Indigenous languages from an interdisciplinary approach. Through her definition of linguistic landscape, the author engages the reader in critical discussions of the correlations between the concept of traditional Indigenous lands and the historical attempts of European colonization. An inspiring component of the book is Johnson’s examination of the role Indigenous languages have played in contemporary public demonstrations for the protection of sacred lands and other acts of resistance. This book confirms how language is a major weapon for Indigenous empowerment. An excellent resource to the field of Indigenous studies."" -- Deirdre A. Almeida, Eastern Washington University ""He tuhinga whaimana tēnei, e whakaata ana i te mana o te kaituhi, i te mana o ana whakaaro ki te mana o ngā reo o ngā iwi mana o Te Moananui-a-Kiwa. Tihei mauri ora! This is a text of much ‘mana’, which mirrors the ‘mana’ of the writer. The ‘mana’ of her consideration towards the ‘mana’ of the contexts of the languages of the people of ‘mana’ of the Pacific region. As a former student and friend of Di Johnson I remember her as a dynamic, interactive, creative, flexible, enjoyable, collaborative, and relevant teacher and friend! Her exploration of the rich linguistic landscape of the Pacific region is itself rich in her sharing of her views of issues relating to power, loss, reclamation, and identity."" -- Tom Roa, University of Waikato"

Author Information

Diane Elizabeth Johnson was lecturer at The University of Waikato.

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