Exploring the linguistic landscape of Dhaka and Rangpur: a comparative study of language and culture variation in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study focuses on my exploring the linguistic landscapes of two different cities, Dhaka and Rangpur. It aims to highlight how public signs and advertisements reflect language use, cultural identity, and societal norms. Additionally, to analyse public signage, I have used a qualitative approach with observation and interviews. The research also applies Dell Hymes' SPEAKING model.The findings of the paper reveal a difference between the two cities. A globalised urban city, Dhaka uses English most of the time, emphasising modernity and international influence. But in Rangpur, it is deeply rooted in Bengali tradition, which mostly uses the Bangla language in the public signage by reflecting cultural values and local identity. Along with that, the study explores educational and social implications and focuses on the need to balance the language representation between local identity and global influences. This study also focuses on comparative analysis that shows how linguistic landscapes, social identity and cultural expression in two types of cities in Bangladesh.