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DOI: 10.15862/14FLSK226 (https://doi.org/10.15862/14FLSK226)

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Saduov R.T. [Commemorative practices in the linguistic landscape of a multicultural region: a case study of memorial plaques on the central streets of the city of Ufa] World of Science. Series: Sociology, Philology, Cultural Studies, 2026, Vol. 17, No. 2. Available at: https://sfk-mn.ru/PDF/14FLSK226.pdf (in Russian). DOI: 10.15862/14FLSK226

Commemorative practices in the linguistic landscape of a multicultural region: a case study of memorial plaques on the central streets of the city of Ufa

Saduov Ruslan Talgatovich
Innopolis University, Innopolis, Russia
E-mail: ru.saduov@innopolis.ru
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1395-3858
RSCI: https://elibrary.ru/author_profile.asp?id=510999

Abstract. Memorial plaques represent an important object of study in works on linguistic landscapes, serving as markers of linguistic vitality, identity, and language policy. This paper offers a characterization of memorial plaques within the linguistic landscape of the central streets of Ufa, which have not been subject to analysis until now. The study identifies the primary source spheres of commemoration, the gender distribution of commemorated individuals, the dominant languages used on the plaques, the degree of multimodality, and the regional specificity reflected on the plaques. To achieve these objectives, 96 memorial plaques located on the streets of Ufa’s historical center were selected through a comprehensive sampling method. The plaques were then analyzed according to several criteria: source domain, gender (when individuals were commemorated), languages used on the plaques, the arrangement of languages on the plaques, mention of the commemorated individuals’ ethnic affiliation, and elements of multimodal presentation. The results indicate that the main source domains for the memorial plaques are the micro-spheres of «Culture and Art» and «State Official», as well as the macro-sphere of «War». The vast majority of the plaques are dedicated to men. Importantly, most plaques are composed in two languages (Bashkir and Russian), with Bashkir positioned to the left of or above Russian. The multimodal elements serve a supporting function in relation to the text on the plaques, providing an image of the commemorated individual or suggesting their field of activity. In addition to using the language of the region’s titular nation (Bashkir), the city authorities reflect regional specificity by commemorating individuals significant to local social and economic life. However, the ethnic affiliation of the commemorated individuals is mentioned only in exceptional cases.

Keywords: memorial plaques; linguistic landscape; commemorative tablets; commemoration; multicultural region; memorialization; places of memory

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