When I went to Nuka in Maui, I noticed right away how the sign uses Japanese writing along with English. Being there in person made me realize how normal multilingualism is in Hawaiʻi. I usually walk past signs without thinking, but this time I actually paid attention to the languages being used. Seeing Japanese on the sign made me think about how many visitors and locals speak it, and how the restaurant wants everyone to feel comfortable. It also showed me that language in public spaces is not just for information it reflects culture, community, and who is included.
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
149052
morenadanti
United States
Kihei
When I went to Thai Mee Up in the Kihei location the first thing I noticed was the Thai writing on the food truck. I eaten there before, but I never really stopped to look at the language on the sign. Seeing the Thai script made me think about how many different cultures and languages are part of everyday life in Hawaiʻi. Even something as simple as a food truck becomes a multilingual space. Being there made me pay more attention to how language shows identity, culture, and community, especially in a place as diverse as Maui.
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
149053
morenadanti
United States
Wailuku
When I took this picture at Pho Saigon in Wailuku, I noticed how the sign and menu include Vietnamese words that I usually don’t pay attention to. Being there made me realize how many languages are around us in Maui without us even thinking about it. The Vietnamese writing shows how important this restaurant is for the local Vietnamese community and anyone who enjoys their food. It also made me think about how language connects people to their culture, even far from home. Seeing Vietnamese used so naturally in public helped me understand how multilingual Hawaiʻi really is.
Lingscape
