New Springville is a neighborhood on Staten Island. Situated at the center of this borough, the accessibility and convenience ensure that everything you need is just a walk or ride away, ideally creating a dynamic atmosphere for commuters. The decision to focus on this area is driven by its commercial area, diverse linguistic composition of culture, suburban setting, and lastly, the importance of where my family resides. By analyzing these linguistic landscapes, the objective is to grasp how language is used in this area to define the neighborhood’s character. The themes I will be focusing on are alliteration, color schemes, and persuasive marketing. The language used in these linguistic landscapes is primarily English. Though this is common in the United States, New Springville seems to create a unique atmosphere that allows residents and visitors to feel a sense of importance tied to the history of this neighborhood. Down below is the map of North Central Staten Island.
The People Of New Springville
As of 2023, the population of Staten Island is roughly 492,734. (United States Census Bureau, 2023). Out of 62 neighborhoods in Staten Island, 23,034 people live in the neighborhood of New Springville. (“Niche: New Springville, New York City, NY—Residents.” 2025). New Springville is home to many different ethnic groups. The largest group is white, making up 59% of the population here in this area, followed by 25% Asian and 14% Hispanic.
Neighborhood’s Character
New Springville gets its name from the existence of a nearby freshwater spring. Typically, in Staten Island, the names of all the neighborhoods are reflected in the natural features and/or characteristics of the landscape of the area. New Springville is home to the only mall in Staten Island. Not only is the commercial activity endless, but educational opportunities for the youth are easily accessible and convenient. Because the area is centered, transportation is no problem for residents and visitors. Buses run throughout the whole island, to Brooklyn, Manhattan, and even New Jersey. Its diverse population, access to amenities, and convenient location create a neighborhood that caters to various lifestyles while contributing to Staten Island’s dynamic urban landscape. (Walters Para. 17)
Theme 1: Alliteration and Color Schemes’ Significance in Linguistic Environments
Street signs and business advertisements are the main emphasis of the linguistic environment I selected. The language used in all these linguistic landscape examples is English. Alliteration was commonly found when I started my data collection for this project. I’ve chosen the names of the streets in this area that have 2 words that start with the same letter. Examples are included below: Merry Mount St., Pierpont Pl., and Ring Rd. Another common theme in these street signs is that all the street signs’ colors are the same. You will expect to see all green street signs in New Springville; typically, they are green all around with white lettering. This is common not only in Staten Island but also across all boroughs of New York City and possibly throughout much of the United States. This is because this is the standardized design set by the Federal Highway Administration. It makes it easier for people to follow and travel easier. Because New Springville is diverse, the neighborhood’s cultural vibrancy is evident in its inviting, welcoming landscape. The atmosphere here is characterized by a flourishing array of languages, making the street signs a reflection of the neighborhood’s linguistic diversity. As you walk around New York City, you may not pay much mind to street signs, but here in Staten Island, every street sign represents the culture and history, especially in New Springville. The word “New” in New Springville signifies a new settlement when compared to other neighborhoods in Staten Island. This pattern is frequent in this neighborhood because it is not common for every neighborhood to be established as a recently settled area. The vibrancy is what stands out on these street signs. Alliteration will catch someone’s eye if a person were to walk into this neighborhood. As these street signs are not the only eye-appealing theme in linguistic landscapes, there are many more in this neighborhood of mine.
Figure 2. Merry Mount St. Photo credit: Brianna Huang
Figure 3. Pierpont Pl. Photo credit: Brianna Huang
Figure 4. Ring Rd. Photo credit: Brianna Huang
Theme 2: Persuasive marketing
Because New Springville is known for its commercial activity, strategic branding is significant. The entirety of my family lives in this neighborhood, so these places are familiar and important to us. These frequently visited locations are significant not only because there is a pattern between these businesses but also because the routine contributes to shaping identity. While collecting data, I’ve noticed that a lot of businesses are promoting their products. I chose this plaza near my house, which included advertisements from their small business and even popular businesses advertising their merchandise. Commonly, I recognized that a few of them have phone numbers, and some of them advertise food. All these signs bring people from the community together. These everyday places connect us and emphasize their social and cultural significance. Another common pattern among these businesses is that they prominently advertise their opening and closing times. Down below, you can see the relevance of these businesses and how they contribute to my everyday life.
Figure 5. My local gas station. Photo credit: Brianna Huang
Figure 6. The gym that I go to promotes protein shakes, green juices, etc. Photo credit: Brianna Huang
Figure 7. Convenient laundromat. Photo credit: Brianna Huang
Figure 8. Local phone repair shop. Photo credits: Brianna Huang
Figure 9. Local locksmith shop. Photo credits: Brianna Huang
New Springville background
New Springville was not always known for its commercial activity and convenient amenities. It was once known as a farming community. After getting its name, “newly settled area,” the landscape changed. The home of the only mall in this borough was once an airport. Though opportunities for outdoor activities were always and will forever be here. The meaning of Springville in New Springville connects to the freshwater spring here in this newly settled area. The history of the freshwater spring was always on the waterway of Richmond Creek. Greenbelt Park, Latourette Golf Course, and Fresh Kills Park also make residents feel at home in this neighborhood. All in all, New Springville provides residents with a well-rounded living experience (Walters, para. 3). The theme for this analysis of the neighborhood is transformation. From an agricultural region to a commercial area, New Springville has changed over time.
Figure 10. Staten Island Mall. Photo credits: Brianna Huang
Figure 11. Waterway on Richmond Creek.
Theme 3: sense of belonging
My family’s feelings of identity, belonging, and community connection are significantly shaped by New Springville’s linguistic landscape. The public signs, the school buildings, the local convenience stores, and the importance of how these businesses contribute to our everyday lives display language that contributes to the neighborhood’s diversity. After analyzing, I’ve concluded that most of the language used in the linguistic landscape is English. Though the community is very diverse, most, if not all, businesses use English to promote their business. My family consists of six members. New Springville provides our family with a mix of ethnic diversity and suburban comfort, fostering a friendly atmosphere where we can experience peaceful living and exposure to diverse cultures and community gatherings. Blessedly, just a 2-minute drive from my house is where my cousins reside. Going down another 7 minutes is where my grandma lives. Though many educational opportunities are provided in New Springville, all of my siblings and cousins went to the same elementary, middle, and high schools. The names and signage of all these schools my family has attended share memories and the importance of identity and sense of belonging. Though it wasn’t always this convenient, my family is grateful that New Springville has provided us with a well-rounded community to call home, especially since many of our relatives also reside here. A neighborhood’s linguistic landscape reflects the influence of the environment on mood and well-being since public areas’ signs, language, and symbols affect how families feel and engage with their surroundings. Below are examples of linguistic landscapes that hold significance for my family.
Figure 12. The police officer Rocco Laurie, Intermediate School 72. Photo credits: Brianna Huang
Figure 13. Where my relatives reside. Photo credits: Brianna Huang
Conclusion
In summary, New Springville’s linguistic environment reflects the neighborhood’s identity, values, and sense of community and goes beyond simply words on signs. Street signs that include alliteration, like “Ring Road” or “Merry Mount,” give everyday living a beautiful style that promotes local identity. Persuasive marketing on posters and storefronts encourages locals to interact with businesses in ways that are friendly and familiar, strengthening a feeling of community pride. Most importantly, the language used in New Springville creates a strong feeling of community. Despite the neighborhood’s great diversity, English is still the most widely spoken language, which fosters communication. All in all, the linguistic landscape of New Springville defines the neighborhood’s character as a whole.
Works cited
“Niche: New Springville, New York City, NY—Residents.” Niche, www.niche.com/places-to-live/n/new-springville-new-york-city-ny/residents/.
United States Census Bureau. QuickFacts: United States. 2024, https://www.google.com/search?q=population+of+staten+island&rlz=1C1RXMK_enUS1065US1065&oq=population+of+s&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqEQgAEAAYQxhGGPsBGIAEGIoFMhEIABAAGEMYRhj7ARiABBiKBTIMCAEQABhDGIAEGIoFMgwIAhAAGEMYgAQYigUyDAgDEAAYQxiABBiKBTINCAQQABiRAhiABBiKBTIGCAUQRRg5MgwIBhAAGEMYgAQYigUyDQgHEAAYkQIYgAQYigUyDAgIEAAYQxiABBiKBTIMCAkQABhDGIAEGIoF0gEIMzU1MWowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
“New Springville.” City Neighborhoods NYC, www.cityneighborhoods.nyc/new-springville.
“New Springville.” Prodigy Real Estate, www.prodigyre.com/neighborhoods/new-springville.