SEMIOTIC LANDSCAPES OF RELIGIOUS SIGNBOARDS IN AWKA METROPOLIS: A MULTIMODAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study examines the Semiotic Landscapes (SL) of religious signboards in Awka metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria. Through ethnographic observation and multimodal discourse analysis of signboards and public signage, the study analyses the symbols and other signs found on religious signboards in public spaces. In particular, the study seeks to identify the languages and meaning-making resources used in religious signboards and explore how they contribute to the semiotic landscapes of Awka metropolis. Furthermore, this study analyses the symbolisation of religious identity in Awka metropolis and its implications for the broader semiotic landscapes. Data for the study were collected through an ethnographic observation of religious signboards in Awka metropolis. Data on religious signboards were collected using a phone camera from the study sites. The data were analysed using a qualitative multimodal discourse analysis approach, focusing mainly on the different symbolic representations used in religious signboards. The study is theoretically framed around Kress and van Leeuwen's (2006, 2020) multimodality and Reh's (2004) typology of multilingual writing. The analysis revealed that a number of semiotic resources ranging from language, colours, images and other artefacts serve as meaning-making resources for distinguishing the semiotic landscapes and the various religious symbols used to signal religious identity. Findings from the study show that the semiotic landscape of Awka metropolis is complex and multi-layered. Furthermore, it is instructive to note that the multiplicity of languages in the study area and symbols used in the religious signboards in Awka metropolis contribute to a highly diverse semiotic landscape. In conclusion, this study shows that the religious signages in Awka metropolis play an essential role in the broader semiotic landscape of the city and that further research is needed to explore the implications of religious symbols for the semiotic landscape of Awka metropolis and Anambra State in general.