Improvement of Japanese Linguistic Landscapes: Development of a Manual for Creation of Multilingual Signage using Online Translation Sites

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26370521
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Linguistics
• Research Institution: Kumamoto Gakuen University
• Principal Investigator: Yoneoka Judy 熊本学園大学, 外国語学部, 教授 (50191656)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): Tomei Joseph 熊本学園大学, 外国語学部, 教授 (50310032) ; 齋藤 智恵 帝京大学, 公私立大学の部局等, 准教授 (50458402)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 言語景観 / 多言語表記 / 自動翻訳

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The primary purpose of this research was to develop a multilingual signage creation manual utilizing automatic translation functions. Therefore, we built a unique website dedicated to multilingual signage incorporating the automatic translation function, conducted experiments and workshops, and developed a multilingual signage creation manual.
In chapter 1 we describe the functions of multilingual signage, and in chapter 2 we categorized signage as instruction, direction and information and introduced two case studies. In Chapter 3, we pointed out problems arising when using the translation function of the website. Chapter 4 introduces the three step Higosign translation method (PLAN = Japanese original text editing; DO = lookup with language database and multiple translation sites and confirm by using reverse translation; ACT = check the accuracy of the signage). In chapter 5, we introduce how to add information such as pictograms, formats, sounds to complete the sign.

Free Research Field

英語学、社会言語学