by Junxi Wang
Introduction:
Figure 1.The transit center near Author Kill Road
Background
Author Kill, Staten Island is one of the most suburban areas in Staten Island. It is characterized by a quiet area with houses everywhere. There aren’t many things around besides transportation or some food places. I explore the linguistic landscape which is roughly 3 blocks away from the Eltingville Transit Center (see Figure 1), which is the midpoint of the majority of buses you can get around with. A little more information would be since the arrival of English colonizers in the early years Author Kill Road has served as a vital historic area that originated from the colonial period. This transportation path derives its name “Kill” from the Dutch word for creek or stream while showing evidence of Dutch and English settler activities during the traditional era of 1700s America. At its origins the road fulfilled its purpose as a trade and travel route then transformed into an essential link for colonial movement and communication along with economic activities. The road transformed into an essential transport system which provided service to its surrounding community throughout time. The growing English influence throughout the region changed Author Kill Road through British administration combined with urban designing and linguistic development. The road’s present-day appearance reflects English colonial influences through its design and architectural styles as well as street signage that was formulated under British traditions. Along with serving its purpose as a physical route the area used this road to demonstrate colonial power when British colonization was expanding. Today Author Kill Road exists as a thriving street that retains its ancient significance alongside its modern social environment. Against its former colonial influences the road has attracted multiple diverse communities and entering businesses which established itself as a modern multicultural space. Today it functions as a historical destination that combines past secrets with contemporary movement to guide the path of its future development.The Landscapes at Authur Kill Road has mostly store signs, with themes of the dominance of English, Expanding Diversity, and Local Culture.
Dominance of English:
The prominent English influence from Author Kill Road can be observed through its commercial signs and retail businesses that remain primarily in English. Regular English names decorate the majority of shops while English signs dominate all areas including regions inhabited by diverse groups of people. English dominance in business operations and communication emerged from British colonial rule as the language gained its status as the dominant public and commercial language throughout the territory. Numerous shops display Western business layouts through their establishment of American and English brand-name chain stores and cafes together with convenience stores. For example, “T-Mobile” “UPS” “Check Cashing” as seen in figure 2, 3 and 4. Businesses operating in the area use English words or phrases within their naming structure to attract customers beyond their regular clientele which includes visiting tourists. The English language has become deeply integrated into daily life through both official and ordinary moments that occur when walking on the street. Uniform street signage along with English-style numbering system extends through the urban environment while specific architectural elements match the design of English cities. The Author Kill Road area demonstrates how empire control continues to mold both historical development and contemporary site appearance throughout the region.
Figure 2. T-Mobile Building
Figure 3. UPS Building
Figure 4. Check and Cash store
Diverse Signs upcoming:
The majority of Author Kill Road exists under English influence while emerging cultural diversity signs begin to appear in the area. New business establishments including Arabic halal food restaurants (see figure 8) together with Asian restaurants such as Teriyaki One (see figure 7) have begun to open their doors on this street. There is also Zara Author which is a Mediterranean cuisine (see figure 5). These locations introduce multiple meal options to an environment where English norms formerly ruled while bringing their individual languages and traditional practices and customer experiences during interactions. The neighborhood demonstrates increasing cultural diversity because these establishments indicate the end of one dominant culture and the beginning of multicultural acceptance. The new stores infuse the road with visual and cultural richness through their establishment. Changes include menus in different languages as well as traditional decor combined with patrons from a wide range of backgrounds. The street signs use English as their primary language but multicultural food options combined with service traditions demonstrate how varied global cultures have started to establish their presence. The traditional English road now operates as a multi-cultural space which demonstrates an evolving identity of the local society. The main concept displayed in this context represents cultural adaptation and mutual existence. Author Kill Road has evolved past its historical position as an English control center into an area hosting cultural coexistence between various communities. Despite background histories of colonial control communities have evolved through the establishment of Arabic and Asian businesses. New cultural elements are being incorporated into the street which propagates a transformation of its historical narrative into a broader and richer multicultural direction.
Figure 5. Zara Arthur Restaurant
Figure 6. Italian Ices
Figure 7. Teriyaki 1 Restaurant
Figure 8. Yala food (Arab Food)
Local Culture/ American Themed
The local community on Author Kill Road maintains a strong American identity through its well-known eating establishments McDonald’s and Country Donuts. (see figure 9 and 10). The eating establishments exceed their status as restaurants to embody the daily way of life that defines the local cultural heritage. McDonald’s functions as a fast casual eatery with its branding and operational speed to offer familiar comfort to Americans seeking convenience. The spot provides a meeting ground for all types of people who stop for fast meals or socialize with friends thus maintaining the typical American relaxed speed. Country Donuts brings a genuine residential atmosphere which complements the other establishments on the road. When you wake up in the morning you can just grab a coffee there and maybe a donut. That is how some Americans would start there days too. Regular customers consider Country Donuts their favorite spot because of its homelike environment which pairs beautifully with traditional coffee and donuts during morning hours. Visitors experience a community atmosphere at this establishment which matches the pleasant character of traditional American towns. The various retail locations along Author Kill Road combine to create an environment which merges nationwide branch stores with distinctive local characteristics that result in a fusion of contemporary value and traditional spirit. The cultural center of this area relies on American traditions through its prevalent fast-food establishments and recognizable coffee shops which unite the people of the community. The American influence does not replace the street’s historical legacy because it integrates global culture with local traditions through everyday familiar elements.
Figure 9. Country Smoothly/ Donuts
Figure 10. Mc Donald’s
Conclusion
The Author Kill Road area represents a distinctive mix between historical impacts from the past along with contemporary and modern cultural transformations of our time. The area established its English dominance in the past through street signs and road design patterns together with its colonial administration but today demonstrates greater cultural and linguistic variety. The increasing number of halal Arabic food spots and Asian restaurants such as Teriyaki One demonstrates how this area moves away from traditional single-cultural dominance toward embracing multiculturalism altogether. The local culture of this road adopts prominent American features due to the presence of landmarks including McDonald’s and Country Donuts which define typical American daily life. These convenient places create a recognizable rhythm of comfort mixed with community which further develops the road as a contemporary American space. These cultural aspects unite to produce a dynamic atmosphere that shows English origins along with American influences and expanding multicultural elements. Author Kill Road serves today as a living mirror which displays how modern history mutually modifies culture together with community throughout contemporary times.