The The Preliminary Analysis of Linguistic Landscape in Plaza Ramayana Bukittinggi

The linguistic landscape of public spaces reflects language choices, social identities, and communication practices within a community. Shopping centers provide interesting sites for examining how languages are displayed and the motivations behind their use in commercial settings. This preliminary study aims to identify the types of linguistic landscape found in Plaza Ramayana Bukittinggi and to investigate the motives for using particular languages. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method. The data consist of 36 linguistic landscape items collected from shop signs and other relevant commercial displays in both locations. The data source is Plaza Ramayana Bukittinggi. Data were collected using the simak method, supported by documentation and recording techniques. The data were analyzed using the padan method to identify language use patterns and interpret the motivations behind language choices. The findings reveal two main results. First, bottom-up linguistic landscape items are more prevalent than top-down items in both shopping centers, indicating that language displays initiated by individual shop owners and private businesses are prominent in these commercial spaces. Second, English as the global language is the most frequently used language on shop signs in Plaza Ramayana Bukittinggi. The use of English is motivated by several factors, including the desire to follow current trends, distinguish businesses from competitors, and make shops more recognizable to both domestic and international tourists. These findings suggest that English serves not only as a means of communication but also as a commercial strategy for attracting attention and establishing a distinctive business identity. This preliminary study provides insights into language choices and commercial motivations in the linguistic landscape of traditional and modern shopping centers in Bukittinggi.