The Language of Jewish Nationalism: Street Signs and Linguistic Landscape in the Old City of Jerusalem

A dominant Hebrew presence in street signage throughout the Old City of Jerusalem reflects Israeli nationalistic discourse and colonial-era de-politicization. Research analyzing over 300 signs across five areas—Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Armenian quarters, and al-Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount—revealed two key patterns: Hebrew erasure of Palestinian identity in the Jewish quarter while other regions lack national Palestinian content, reinforcing an exclusive Israeli Jewish identity. The study also identified Orientalist, British-influenced colonial tendencies aimed at depoliticizing the East. This linguistic landscape analysis underscores how signage serves as a tool for power assertion and historical narrative control.

Dahamshe, A., & Mendel, Y. (2021). The Language of Jewish Nationalism: Street Signs and Linguistic Landscape in the Old City of Jerusalem. Jerusalem Quarterly, (87), 12. https://doi.org/10.70190/jq.i87.p12