Abstract:

This research examined the linguistic landscape (LL) functions performed in business names in Mueang District, Phayao Province, Thailand with the aim to study the language styles shown in business names and the background of business names in the aforementioned location. The research was conducted by studying the business names of 400 businesses in Mueang District, Phayao Province. The results revealed that the main language style found from the business names was single language comprising a monolingual signboard, i.e., Thai language. Most backgrounds of the business names had involvement with the business owners. Moreover, business names in Mueang District, Phayao Province represented the identity maintenance of Lanna (Northern Thailand) and reflected the distinctiveness of a multicultural city in the manner of a multicultural society consisting of people of various races, languages, and cultures. In addition, these business names were influenced by globalisation and language disaster that reflected language change occurred in the current society. 

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