Visualising the Knowledge Domain of Linguistic Landscape Research: A Scientometric Review (1994-2021)

Abstract

Linguistic landscape (LL) is a prism that reflects the linguistic dynamics, language policies, and power relations in given territories. By utilising the scientometric software, CiteSpace 5.8.R3, this paper provides a visualised overview of 654 records and 19746 references (1994-2021) on LL selected from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The scientific network analysis, keyword network analysis, and co-citation analysis were undertaken. The leading authors, institutions, and countries in the LL field were identified through scientific network analysis. Analyses of high-frequency keywords and the cluster analysis of keywords identified the hot topics within the LL domain. Document co-citation analysis and co-cited reference clusters were determined to examine influential works and LL research frontiers. The findings indicated that LL research had been expanded from the initial focus on identity and language policy to today’s in-depth explorations of language, multilingualism, and English in the globalisation context. In addition, the research object and research approach have made a critical turn to a highly interdisciplinary way.