Navigating the roads of language policy

Abstract This study employs Critical Language Policy theory ( Tollefson, 2005 ) and a Linguistic Landscapes methodology to explore a transportation agency’s commitment to representing Spanish on public transportation in a major US metropolitan city. The research contrasts representation in digital spaces, such as the transportation agency’s website and telephone hotline, with in situ spaces, including the bus and metro lines. It also evaluates visual and auditory means of presenting information and explores which specific themes are represented in English, Spanish, or bilingually. Findings reveal clear disparities between representations of Spanish in digital and in situ public transportation spaces. While digital spaces appear to fulfill the commitment to linguistic representation, the data in situ tell a different story. These discrepancies place individuals with limited or no proficiency in English at a disadvantage, requiring additional resources to obtain equal access to this public service.