Innovation in Language Learning

St. George, UT, has seen a rise in linguistic and cultural diversity, largely due to an influx of Spanish-speaking immigrants. This demographic shift offers a unique opportunity to explore the city's linguistic landscape, which refers to the visibility and prominence of languages in public spaces. In a Spanish Phonetics course, students typically examine dialectal differences and compare Spanish and English phonetic systems, and this project deepens their learning by grounding these concepts in the local context. The project allows students to identify and analyze Spanish phonetic features in everyday settings, document Spanish’s sociolinguistic presence, engage with the community to explore linguistic identity and immigration, and develop a GLOCAL perspective on language use. The project unfolds in three stages: First, students observe and document Spanish in public spaces—such as signs, advertisements, and murals—by analyzing phonetic features, translation quality, and language contact phenomena. In the second stage, students engage with the local community by interviewing Spanish-speaking residents, business owners, and leaders, gaining insight into how language reflects identity, integration, and cultural preservation. Finally, students use digital tools to create an interactive map that compiles their findings, including photographs, phonetic analyses, and interview excerpts, illustrating the multifaceted role of Spanish in St. George. This project not only enriches students' understanding of Spanish phonetics but also highlights the intersection of language, culture, and community in a rapidly changing American city.