This article focuses on the challenges of language preservation in tourism information signage at heritage sites.

Tourist signage serves as an essential medium of communication, connecting visitors with historical locations

and conveying cultural, historical, and identity-related information about a destination. However, common

issues include poorly maintained signage, missing or faded information, and outdated translations. Such

shortcomings undermine the primary function of signage as a medium for preserving linguistic and heritage

information. From a linguistic perspective, weaknesses in translation are evident in spelling errors, inaccurate

authorities and relevant agencies conduct regular maintenance of tourism signage, establish language review

teams, and adopt communicative translation strategies that consider cultural contexts and tourists’ needs.

Overall, language preservation in tourist signage not only enhances the effectiveness of information delivery

but also contributes to safeguarding heritage identity, strengthening destination image, and enriching the

tourism experience.

Language is not merely a vehicle for communication, it is equally a vital medium through which information is

conveyed, cultural identity is shaped, and the historical values of a society are preserved. As Crystal (2000)

asserts, language functions as an indispensable medium for sustaining the continuity of cultural heritage.

who examined the linguistic landscape of Guilin, China, and revealed that tourism signage extends beyond the

delivery of information, serving as a means to construct a world-class destination image through the interplay

of language, imagery, and symbols.

This significance is consistent with the development of tourism at World Heritage Sites in Malaysia,

particularly Melaka and George Town, which are recognized by UNESCO as major tourist destinations. Both

cities stand out in terms of cultural heritage as they reflect the interaction of multiple civilizations through their

architecture, urban structure, and living traditions. In addition, these historic cities bear testimony to a long-

standing history of maritime and trade networks that have flourished for centuries, thereby attracting both

domestic and international visitors. This underscores the need for effective communication strategies through

tourism signage that is informative, user-friendly, and attuned to cultural diversity.

communication needs has become increasingly pressing.

The large influx of tourists poses significant challenges to language preservation at these heritage destinations.

Mansoor et al. (2024) stress that the effectiveness of signage depends on message clarity, linguistic accuracy,

and cultural sensitivity. When these aspects are neglected, there is a risk not only of communication

breakdown with international audiences but also of the erosion of local linguistic identity. Therefore, language

preservation within the context of tourism signage at World Heritage Sites requires serious attention, so that

the function of language may be strengthened not merely in terms of communicative utility but also in

sustaining the cultural heritage of the nation.

The concept of Linguistic Landscape (LL) refers to the presence of language in public spaces, manifested

contributes to their understanding of historical values and cultural heritage, thereby shaping a more meaningful

tourism experience.

The preservation of language within the linguistic landscape continues to face significant challenges. For

instance, George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site Special Area Plan (Replacement) 2030, which serves as

a planning document for heritage conservation and development, does not provide detailed attention to

language preservation in tourism information signage (George Town World Heritage Incorporated [GTWHI],

2020). This omission raises concerns that translation errors or lexical weaknesses in signage may persist

without a clear corrective mechanism. Such a gap illustrates the imbalance between efforts to conserve

physical heritage and those directed at safeguarding linguistic heritage.

Accordingly, studies on the linguistic landscape of World Heritage Sites deserve serious attention to ensure the

The preservation of language in tourism signage has increasingly gained scholarly attention, as it functions not

only as a channel of information but also as a medium of cultural and heritage communication to international

audiences. Uysal (2022) asserts that signage should not be viewed merely as a navigational tool, but rather as a

semiotic text that conveys meanings about the identity and distinctiveness of a community. Accordingly,

linguistic accuracy and translation quality are crucial in maintaining the authenticity of historical and cultural

information. Any shortcomings, particularly in lexical choices and terminology, risk leading to cultural

misinterpretation and, ultimately, undermining the overall tourism experience.

In the context of official planning, the gap in language preservation can be observed in the George Town

UNESCO World Heritage Site Special Area Plan (Replacement) 2030, which emphasizes physical and

economic development but does not provide detailed mechanisms for language preservation (George Town

World Heritage Incorporated [GTWHI], 2020). The absence of specific guidelines leaves room for various

issues, including the use of mixed languages, grammatical errors, and inaccurate translations. Such

circumstances may undermine the image of the World Heritage Site, as language is a crucial component in

maintaining the authenticity of a location’s identity.

Marín-Gutiérrez et al. (2023) emphasize that language preservation in signage should be prioritized equally

with the preservation of physical heritage. This is because signage not only conveys information but also

shapes the way tourists perceive and appreciate local heritage. Moreover, the failure to ensure high language

marker of cultural and social identity within a community. Lei and Teng (2024) argue that LL reflects the

dynamics of power between dominant and minority languages, thereby revealing underlying sociolinguistic

hierarchies. However, within tourism contexts, its role becomes more complex. Furthermore, signage functions

not only as a channel of practical information but also as a representational medium of cultural identity that

shapes tourists’ perceptions of authenticity (Pérez-Sabater & Montero-Fleta, 2023). In this regard, language

preservation in tourism signage extends beyond the informative dimension, serving as a vital mechanism in

safeguarding and reinforcing local cultural heritage.

Although its significance is widely acknowledged, several studies highlight a persistent gap between the

theoretical emphasis on language preservation and its actual implementation in practice. Uysal (2022)

underscores that tourism signage should be understood as semiotic texts that serve to educate tourists about

“Clan Jetty” is presented solely in English without an equivalent in the national language, despite its deep

connection to the identity of the local community. A similar issue is observed in Melaka, where Mohd Yusof

and Ibrahim (2022) identify lexical mistranslations in signage around A Famosa and the Stadthuys, which pose

the risk of misleading international visitors. Collectively, these examples underscore systemic shortcomings in

the linguistic quality assurance of heritage signage, revealing an urgent need for more rigorous monitoring

mechanisms to safeguard both communicative accuracy and cultural authenticity.

The involvement of relevant authorities is a key determinant in ensuring the effectiveness of language

preservation. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) holds responsibility for formulating

policies and guidelines on language use within the tourism sector, including signage at World Heritage Sites.

At the same time, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) plays a pivotal role in reviewing and standardizing

terminology, while also ensuring that the national language adheres to official standards (Ismail & Hassan,

government and national language institutions has successfully enhanced the quality of signage while

simultaneously preserving linguistic identity (Kim & Lee, 2024).

Ismail and Hassan (2023) emphasize that the governance of language policy in tourism must be aligned with

economic development strategies to prevent an imbalance between the accessibility of information for

This study highlights the challenges of language preservation in tourism signage at World Heritage Sites in

Malaysia, particularly in Melaka and George Town. Language functions not only as a medium of

communication but also as a marker of cultural identity and linguistic heritage. Key issues include inaccurate

translations, inconsistent language use, and neglect of the local language, which may undermine tourist

experience and destination credibility. The active involvement of authorities, including MOTAC, DBP, state

governments, and local councils, alongside community participation, is critical to effective preservation. A

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7. Kim, S., & Lee, J. (2024). Multilingual signage and language policy in Seoul: A case of tourism and

8. Khoo, J. (2023). Heritage tourism and language use in George Town, Penang: An analysis of linguistic