Language choices on signs constitute a manifestation of de facto language policy. While signage in the public space is freely accessible, those on homes call for different ethical considerations. This paper explores the ethical considerations regarding privacy in Linguistic Landscape research as well as appropriate research methodologies.
Language choices in the public space are an expression of de facto language policy. In their written form, these choices (i.e. public signs) fall in the public domain. However, signage is sometimes created in spaces that straddle the thin line between public and personal. One such case is signage affixed to the outside walls of homes. While these signs are visible from the street and thus available for public consumption, the space of yard and home carry with it an implied expectation of privacy. Therefore, this particular type of signage cannot be considered constituent of the public domain. Yet, signs of this nature provide unique insights into local linguistic and socio-economic dynamic. Collecting this type of data thus presents an ethical conundrum to Linguistic Landscape researchers. The issue became pertinent in the South African context when issues of privacy finally came to the fore with the passing of the Protection of Personal Information Act in 2013. While the most interesting data can be collected from (semi-)private signage, respect for privacy must remain a central consideration. This paper explores the ethical considerations at stake as well as appropriate research methodologies.
