Linguistic Landscape

My choice of linguistic landscapes are the landscapes locate in lower east side of Manhattan, Chinatown. Although I grew up in China and did not spend very long time in Chinatown, I still find this neighborhood intriguing enough to be paid attention. Although it is called Chinatown, it does not mean all the people are Chinese and all the stores are run by Chinese. As we can see from the images, which are the stores opened in the Chinatown. The advertising boards and the menu are all consisted of bilingual signs that can be easily understood by both English speakers and Chinese speakers. Some people may possess the stereotypes that think all Chinese food are cheap and fat fast food. On the contrary, the food made in Chinatown is delicate and delicious. Those landscapes allow this neighborhood to be part of the local culture as well as not only helping new immigrants to transitioned from one language to another, but more to one life to another life. Some of the stores have a history of over one century as we can see the obvious worn-out sign showed in the advertising board. However, it does not mean the quality of the services provide here is bad. Instead, the neighborhood is improving years after years and generations after generation. I would like to research more on this neighborhood and clarify the stereotypes as well as provide more information about the linguistic landscapes in this community. So that people will have a more clear idea that there is a unique culture worth spreading.