Writing in a Foreign Alphabet: The Rendering of Bulgarian Inscriptions in English on Public Signs in Veliko Tarnovo

Authors:

Pages: 125-138
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/SFYU1504

Abstract:

The paper offers an ethnographic analysis of the written inscriptions on the public signs located in the central parts of Veliko Tarnovo. Of special interest is the way Bulgarian names are rendered in English. The analysis combines the methods of ethnographic observation and linguistic landscaping (LLS). Writing as an object of ethnographic analysis is seen as only one aspect of the broader concept of literacy, which also comprises reading, design and processing. The repertoire of literacy resources includes not only the ability to write with pen and paper, but a number of other abilities as well. Among them are using a keyboard and, as we will claim here, using more than one alphabet and converting texts from one script into another. Writing is conceived as a complex literacy practice. Inscriptions on public signs are seen as both products and practices. As products they can disclose the nature of the writing practices that have yielded them. Knowing about these practices can shed light on wider literacy and social issues.

Keywords:

writing; transliteration; orthography; heterography; language mixing; linguistic landscapes

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