Remembering the Pearl of Java among the Trading Ports: A Linguistic Landscape Study in Bandar Grissee, Indonesia

Languages used in memory places do not only serve as a communication tool and convey information, but languages might be formed to recall the memories of a certain place. This study scrutinizes how the memories of Gresik as the pearl of Java displayed in the linguistic landscape of an ancient city transformed into a heritage tourism place named Bandar Grissee. Gresik is located in the north coast of Java and was known as the pearl of Java regarding the strategic location of the port to support the maritime trade in Nusantara and Southeast Asia between the 14th and 17th century. Field research was conducted to collect the data of this study through observation and documentation methods. The findings indicate that the memories draw on the multilingual and multi-ethnic nature of Gresik in the linguistic landscape of Bandar Grissee, which is represented through the texts on the information signs, place names, and inscriptions. The signages recall the memories and become a part of the memories. They are presented in Indonesian, Javanese, and particularly languages related to memories, such as Arabic, Dutch, and Chinese. The linguistic landscape can be a contemplation medium to remember the memories of Gresik as the pearl of Java and offer inspiration and innovation in the preservation of heritage places.