Arabic Linguistic Landscape in Australia: A Multilingual Study of Commercial Signage on Haldon Street, Lakemba

Abstract

This study explores the presence and function of Arabic language within the linguistic landscape of Haldon Street, Lakemba, a multicultural suburb in Sydney, Australia. Using Backhaus’s (2007) framework, the research analyzes twenty commercial and institutional signs to examine the distribution of Arabic alongside English and other languages. The findings demonstrate that Arabic appears in both standard and transliterated forms, functioning in diverse bottom-up contexts such as shops, restaurants, and service agencies. The study reveals varying degrees of language dominance, from bilingual balance to the predominance of English or Arabic, reflecting identity negotiation among migrant communities. Beyond its communicative role, Arabic in the public space serves as a marker of Islamic cultural identity, fostering both community cohesion and visibility in a multilingual society. This research contributes to broader discussions on language identity, multilingual practices, and the role of Arabic as both a heritage and diasporic language in contemporary global contexts.