Language, regulation, and practice in the informational linguistic landscape of Bogor Botanical Garden

This study examines the informational linguistic landscape of Bogor Botanical Garden as a synchronic analysis of signage. As a nationally regulated heritage site with diverse visitors, the botanical garden provides a relevant context for observing how language is used to guide, regulate, and manage public space. Drawing on Landry and Bourhis’ (1997) informational functions, Backhaus’ (2007) part writing, and Scollon and Scollon’s (2003) code preferences analysis, this study focuses on signs that predominantly perform informational functions, including information signs, prohibition and warning notices, advertising signs, and street signs. The data were categorized using Spolsky and Cooper’s (1991) sign taxonomy and analyzed qualitatively to identify patterns of language use. The findings show that Indonesian is the dominant language across categories, reflecting its role as the primary language of authority and regulation. English appears mainly to support international accessibility, while Latin is consistently used in plant-related signage as a scientific language. Other languages, such as Sundanese, Arabic, French, and Dutch, occur selectively for promotional and contextual purposes. This study contributes to linguistic landscape research by examining botanical garden as an underexplored setting, and highlighting how language functions are shaped by institutional regulation, scientific communication, and tourism within a single public space in Indonesia.