Reading the Urban text in the Context of Linguistics Through the Analysis of the Urban Memory Layer

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Candidate, Department of Urbanism,Shahr-e-Qods- Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Urban Development, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, South Tehran BranchBranch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Cities are multi-layered spaces where historical traces, urban memory, and meanings coexist, often facing the risk of erosion or loss of identity. In some cases, the fabric of cities deteriorates to the brink of destruction, while in others, their historical essence fades into illegible remnants, akin to texts overwritten repeatedly over time. This dynamic reflects the evolving palimpsest of urban memories and cultural layers. Urban planners increasingly recognize the city as a text, emphasizing its connection with linguistics and collective memory. This shift requires tools that allow for reading and interpreting these layers effectively. To reconstruct a city’s past—a crucial starting point for envisioning its future—it must be viewed as a layered text, constantly reshaped by cultural and social transformations. The linguistic analogy aligns well with urban analysis, as both are structured systems governed by rules. Urban forms, functions, and symbols correspond to linguistic elements, enabling the city to be "read" as a narrative shaped by its history, environment, and social context. Urban landscapes are pivotal in shaping identity and memory. They encompass three perspectives: physical reality (objective), personal interpretation (subjective), and emotional or social evaluation (evaluative). This triad allows urban landscapes to communicate narratives that foster attachment, identity, and a sense of belonging among residents. Furthermore, urban design acts as a visual language where architectural styles reflect the cultural ideologies of their time, akin to linguistic dialects. Using hermeneutics and semiotics, this research bridges urban studies and linguistics, offering a theoretical framework for interpreting the city as a multi-layered text. The approach highlights how urban markers, such as architectural elements, historical sites, and cultural symbols, contribute to collective memory and identity. By recognizing these markers as "urban words," planners can develop informed, culturally responsive urban strategies that preserve and enhance city identity. Table 1 illustrates the perspectives of scholars on urban form, urban landscape, collective memory, and urban hermeneutics.
Methodology: This theoretical research employs an analytical approach to explore urban spaces through linguistic frameworks. The study systematically integrates concepts from semiotics, semantics, and hermeneutics to analyze urban layers. By reviewing prior theories and literature, the research identifies key indicators for urban memory and meaning. Secondary data sources, including academic publications, case studies, and architectural analyses, provide the foundation for this interpretive investigation.
Results: The findings reveal that urban spaces convey cultural and historical meanings through symbols and signs, which reinforce urban identity and collective memory. The application of hermeneutics as an interpretive tool offers a deeper understanding of the interaction between urban spaces and the lived experiences of citizens. The research underscores the role of urban semiotics in identifying and preserving key urban markers that resonate with collective memories, such as architectural elements, historical monuments, and spatial narratives.
Discussion:Reading the urban text through revisiting residents' lived experiences and exploring layers of urban memories necessitates an integration of concepts from both urban planning and linguistics. This approach allows for an interpretation of urban representation from the perspectives of inhabitants and users. Therefore, relying on the proposed theoretical framework enables us to achieve this important goal.
Cities, as complex and layered texts, require linguistic and semiotic tools for meaningful analysis. This research demonstrates that semiotics and hermeneutics can bridge gaps in understanding urban layers, offering insights into their meanings, identities, and collective memories. The study provides urban planners and designers with theoretical frameworks to enhance urban identity and memory preservation through informed design practices. Future research could integrate fieldwork and empirical data to complement the theoretical foundations presented in this study.
 

Highlights

City as Text and Semiotics: The article analyzes the city as a multilayered text, examining urban signs and symbols in conveying meaning and collective memory.

Hermeneutics and Linguistics in Urban Planning: Hermeneutics is employed to interpret the meaning of the city, and the integration of linguistics with urban planning enhances the understanding of the relationship between urban spaces and citizens' experiences.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Urban Planning Knowledge
Volume 8, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 66-81

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History

  • Receive Date: 02 March 2024
  • Revise Date: 06 June 2024
  • Accept Date: 13 July 2024

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