Signs, Symbols and Stones: The Portuguese American Urban Ethnic Landscape #7
Signage is one of the most obvious ways that a different culture presents itself in the American landscape.
We’re continuing our expedition to learn about a different culture, that of Portuguese Americans, and how aspects of that culture are visible in the landscape of southeastern New England. I’ve been taking pictures of these signs for many years, so not all are still present in the landscape.
There are numerous varieties of Portuguese signs. Some are in the Portuguese language only; some are dual language with the message in both English and Portuguese; some are English language signs using Portuguese grammatical constructions or literal translations of Portuguese idioms, and some are mixed language or hybrids, primarily in one language or another, but using an English or a Portuguese word. Such signs are a reliable indicator of all American ethnic neighborhoods and signs combining languages are evidence that cultural assimilation is well under way.
On mixed language signs, distinctive words stand out, such as linguiça and chouriço, types of Portuguese sausage. A sign at a tavern in Fall River…
