While I was driving through the Ala Moana parking lot on the main level next to Target, it was the first time I noticed this “Mall Access” sign, even though I’ve driven past it many times. It caught my attention because the sign is in English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. Since this sign is in an older wing of the mall, it’s probably been here for many years without me noticing, which shows how long Hawai‘i has been a multicultural environment. Although Ala Moana is a touristy place, it was still interesting to see such a general sign in four languages. The Japanese, Korean, and Chinese all translate to “Mall Access.” Seeing multiple languages layered into a simple directional sign made me realize how deeply multilingualism is built into Hawai‘i’s public spaces, even in areas we overlook.
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
89572
United States
Fort Worth
Spanish language for beer- coors light
Spanish as vice
38372
United States
Honolulu
—
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
39908
United States
Akron
—
44004
United States
Aiea
This is an example of Hawaiian. It’s a metal sign so it’s a more permanent fixture. Wai means water, makai means towards the ocean, that’s why the sign is blue with a wave picture. It appeals to both tourists and locals for direction and learning.
NIP
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
46052
United States
Kaneohe
SU: Check Up #2
- What language is used on the sign?:
The language that is used on the sign is Hawai’i Creole or Pidgin.
- How is the language presented?:
The language is presented in all capital, white letters.
- Who is the audience?:
The audience is the general public but it is more commonly known by locals.
- What is the domain?:
The domain is on the top of a car in public.
- What is the sign telling people?:
The sign is the name of a clothing brand that is commonly known in Hawai’i.
- Why is Pidgin being used here?:
Pidgin is being used here because it is appropriate since we live on an island that consists of people who speak Pidgin and it could also be that they’re showing that they’re proud to be a local.
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
47076
United States
Honolulu
(SK) (#3) This sign is found in the freshman towers located on campus. The point of this sign is to educate the students/residents of the tower and begin to immerse them in the language of Hawaiian. It does this by giving the translation of the word in standard English and then also adding the Hawaiian translation. In this case, the word “red” in Hawaiian is “‘ ‘ula’ula” according to the sign.
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
114148
United States
Saint Regis Falls
—
131301
United States
Seattle
—
66021
United States
La Joya
—
Letreros en el RGV
1509
United States
Austin
—
3557
United States
Pāhoa
—
71141
United States
Libertyville
on side of delivery vehicle
7397
United States
Chicago
—
147941
catherine
United States
Honolulu
I took this photo on the main level of Ala Moana, right across from the Lanaʻi Food Court. The sign says “Mauka Wing,” which means “toward the mountains” in Hawaiian. I found it interesting how the mall uses Hawaiian words very frequently in its directional signs. Even the food court itself is named “Lānaʻi,” which is another island here. Seeing Hawaiian used in everyday signage and throughout such a large institution shows an effort to incorporate the language, even if it can sometimes feel a bit inauthentic. Still, noticing Hawaiian in these directional signs made me realize again how multicultural and multilingual Hawaiʻi is.
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
89573
United States
Fort Worth
Spanish language for beer- modelo
Spanish as vice
95717
United States
Sacramento
Be good to yourself today
You r loved
I heart you
38117
United States
Portland
Bilingual (or better) signs showing badness befalling those who fail at following rules and utterly ignoring every last lick of common sense are just the best!
Lingscape
