Arya Tara: How Wellness Practices Are Incorporated in English Linguistic Landscapes
Arya Tara: How Wellness Practices Are Incorporated in English Linguistic Landscapes
Alba Sanahuja
Emily Vaca
English Language in Context
Introduction
Our project examines the presence of English in the linguistic landscape of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain, within the broader context of language globalisation. Inspired by the "Multilingual Lausanne" initiative from the University of Lausanne (Garrido-Sardà, 2018), this research focuses on the interactions between local and global languages, shedding light on the gradual integration of English in non-English-speaking societies. According to Holmes (2008), linguistic landscapes reflect power relations and social structures, shaping how communities negotiate identity and linguistic authority. In this case, the Arya Tara signage illustrates how English serves as a global prestige language, influencing commercial and wellness discourses.
While exploring the city, we identified an LL token in the form of the storefront signage for "Arya Tara," a wellness and alternative therapy center. The sign, placed on a glass surface, serves both commercial and informational purposes, as well as advertising services such as yoga, osteopathy, and psychotherapy. As Maria Sabaté (2022) states in her article Localizing English in Town, LLs provide an insight into the behaviors of social groupings, institutions, and individual people that analyze linguistic, demographic, sociocultural, and political shifts. We analyzed the languages in our LL and we found that the dominant language on the sign is Catalan, while English appears in a secondary role, particularly in words like “Mindsight”, “center”, and "Mindfulness," which reflects the globalised nature of wellness discourse. The text is primarily written in the Latin alphabet, ensuring accessibility to a broad audience.
Beyond Catalan and English, the presence of other languages suggests a multicultural and spiritual influence. The name "Arya Tara" has roots in Tibetan, referencing a revered Buddhist figure, Green Tara, symbolising compassion and enlightenment (Chodron, 2024b). This aligns with the center’s offerings, which include meditation and alternative therapies linked to Eastern traditions. Holmes (2008) highlights how linguistic choices in public spaces convey social meaning, reinforcing ideological associations. In this case, the inclusion of Tibetan terms elevates the perceived authenticity of the center’s spiritual branding.
Mandarin could also play a subtle role in this setting, given the global spread of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Eastern healing practices (Therapies, 2016). For instance, we can see evidence of them in the practices offered as “Tai Chi” and “Chi Kung.” Moreover, German appears as another potential background language as it mentions the Gestalt therapy, which was developed by German psychiatrist Fritz Perls (Lpc/Mhsp, 2024).
Unlike grassroots linguistic expressions seen in protest or street art, this LL token represents a top-down, commercialized adaptation of multilingualism. Holmes (2008) emphasizes that language choices in public signage are rarely neutral; they often serve economic or ideological functions. Here, English operates as a marketing tool rather than a language of social mobilization, reinforcing global wellness trends while allowing Catalan to maintain its local identity. The inclusion of Tibetan, Mandarin, and German elements further highlights the cross-cultural connections present in the wellness industry.
This example illustrates how Englishization in non-English-speaking societies does not occur in isolation but often coexists with other global influences. As Holmes (2008) notes, multilingualism in public spaces is a product of both sociopolitical structures and economic globalization. In this case, the linguistic landscape reflects a fusion of local and international elements, demonstrating how specific domains, such as health, spirituality, and self-care, facilitate multilingual exchanges.
Contextualization
Our Linguistic Landscape is located in Lleida’s Instituts-Templers district, specifically at Plaça de les Missions, 4, 25003 Lleida, Spain. This area, with 10.095 out of 143.539 inhabitants of the city, is home to a diverse mix of middle-class and working-class residents. Since the 1990s, urban regeneration efforts have modernized the district while maintaining its historical essence.
Figure 1: Map of the Neighborhood Source: Google Maps
The neighborhood’s socioeconomic profile reflects its multicultural identity, shaped by both long-term residents and a growing migrant population. The presence of local businesses and community services supports the economic activity of the area, ensuring a balance between affordable and essential services. Linguistically, Catalan remains the dominant language, but Spanish and English are becoming more visible, particularly in commercial signage.
Among the notable establishments in the district is Arya Tara (see Figure 2), a Buddhist center that promotes meditation, spiritual studies, and multicultural engagement. Other surrounding businesses, such as Bar Cafeteria Boira and Farmàcia de la Plaça de les Missions (see Figure 3), primarily use Catalan and Spanish, demonstrating the area’s commitment to preserving local linguistic heritage despite its evolving demographics.
Figure 2: Arya Tara and Its Surroundings Source: Google Maps
Figure 3: Additional Surroundings Source: Google Maps
The district also benefits from the University Rectorate’s presence, making it a hub for students and international residents. While not traditionally a tourist hotspot, the arrival of migrants and Erasmus students has gradually transformed it into a linguistically diverse community. Businesses increasingly incorporate multilingual signage, catering to the shifting population.
As a reflection of this cultural and linguistic evolution, Arya Tara serves as a unique space where people from different backgrounds come together. The center embodies the neighborhood’s openness to global influences, attracting local residents, international visitors, and spiritual practitioners.
According to 2025 data, the Institut-Templers area had an immigrant population of 20.69%, making it one of the neighborhoods with the highest percentage of migrant residents (see Figure 4). While Catalan remains the primary language, the increasing use of English and other languages reflects the area’s adaptation to its diverse inhabitants.
Figure 4: Percentages of Immigrants and Spaniards in Lleida Source: https://www.idescat.cat/emex/?id=251207&lang=en
Methodology
Lleida, a vibrant city in Catalonia, showcases a unique linguistic landscape shaped by both grassroots practices and municipal regulations. This interplay between bottom-up language choices made by individuals and businesses and top-down policies established by local authorities creates a dynamic environment that reflects the region's multicultural identity. This essay examines the linguistic policies in Lleida, their impact on the language practices observed at Arya Tara, and the broader implications for the city’s linguistic environment.
To gather insights into the language environment surrounding Arya Tara, we conducted three fieldwork trips to its location at Plaça de les Missions, 4, in the Instituts-Templers area of Lleida. These visits were strategically timed at various times of the day and on different days of the week to provide a comprehensive understanding of local linguistic dynamics.
First, the very first visit on March 5th at 15:30 was focused on local signage and the surrounding environment. We noted the predominant use of Catalan in public communication, aligning with municipal policies that promote the language.
Later, in the second visit, we concentrated on interactions between customers and co-workers, primarily in Catalan, with some Spanish usage. This bilingual interaction reflects the linguistic reality of the population and the influence of local regulations on everyday communication. Also, we wanted to ensure if their languages used affected the language choices for their storefront.
And, lastly, the third visit aimed to check for any changes in the storefront. We observed that Arya Tara continued to use Catalan as its primary language while incorporating English terms for marketing purposes, demonstrating a blend of local and global influences.
Overall, the linguistic environment in Lleida is governed by several key municipal regulations that significantly influence language usage in public and commercial spaces.
As it is said in the document of the Ajuntament de Lleida (La Paeria), in its Municipal Ordinance on Civility and Coexsitence on Civility and Coexistence of the City of Lleida (2022):
Article 14 mandates that all public communication should normally be in Catalan, “La relació pública de tota mena s’ha de redactar normalment en català”, emphasizing the city's commitment to promoting Catalan as the primary language of communication.
Article 17.2 regulates advertising aimed outside the Catalan-speaking region, recommending that such advertising be preferably bilingual (Catalan and the target language) or in Spanish. This encourages businesses to adopt a multilingual approach while respecting local linguistic norms.
Article 4.3 prohibits the unauthorized placement of advertisements on municipal buildings or urban furniture, ensuring that public spaces maintain a coherent linguistic identity.
These policies do not impose a single linguistic model but create a framework within which businesses and citizens make their language choices. As a result, many establishments, including Arya Tara, adopt Catalan as the primary language in their signage and communications, aligning with the sociolinguistic expectations of the city.
In the context of Lleida, bottom-up language policies refer to the language choices made by individuals, businesses, and local actors when engaging in communication, signage, and customer interaction. Although these grassroots actions originate from the community level, they are influenced by municipal regulations that shape what is acceptable in public spaces.
Several municipal articles directly affect these bottom-up practices (La Paeria, 2022):
Article 14 emphasizes the use of Catalan in public communication.
Article 17.2 encourages bilingual advertising for communications aimed outside the Catalan-speaking area.
Article 4.3 restricts unauthorized advertising on municipal property.
These regulations create boundaries within which businesses, shop owners, and citizens make their language choices. Consequently, many establishments voluntarily adopt Catalan as the primary language in their signage and communications, in line with the sociolinguistic expectations of the city. While Spanish remains widely present, especially in oral interactions and informal communication, the increasing presence of English and other international languages is noticeable in commercial signs and advertising, often motivated by market dynamics.
In the case of Arya Tara, Catalan is used as the main signage language, but English terms such as “Mindsight” and “Mindfulness” are incorporated for marketing purposes. This reflects a broader trend where English is utilized increasingly for global appeal, demonstrating how local businesses navigate the regulatory landscape while also responding to market demands.
The impact of Catalonia’s official language policies is evident in Lleida’s linguistic environment. Government communications, educational institutions, and public signs predominantly use Catalan, reinforcing its status as the co-official language alongside Spanish. Arya Tara exemplifies these policies by primarily using Catalan in its signage. However, the inclusion of English terms illustrates broader commercial language trends, where English is increasingly utilized for marketing and global appeal.
Lleida encourages local businesses to prioritize Catalan in their signs and communication through municipal measures. Additionally, the Catalan Landscape Observatory plays a crucial role in directing language regulations in public and private settings. It promotes multilingualism to reflect the cultural richness of the area and fosters the use of Catalan in public signage and discussions about landscapes.
The neighborhood's multicultural aspect is further evident in the languages spoken, including English, Spanish, and Catalan. While Catalan remains the predominant written and spoken language, Arya Tara strategically employs English for branding purposes. This blend is enriched by the incorporation of German, Tibetan, and English terminology, demonstrating the center’s affiliation with wider spiritual and healing traditions. Terms like “Tai Chi” and “Chi Kung” exemplify the adoption of Eastern healing techniques, while Gestalt therapy reflects a German influence in the wellness discourse.
All in all, the linguistic policies and practices in Lleida create a dynamic environment that fosters local identity while accommodating the complexities of a multilingual society. The interplay between municipal regulations and grassroots language choices results in a hybrid linguistic landscape where Catalan holds symbolic and functional prominence, complemented by the presence of Spanish and English based on communicative needs. The case of Arya Tara illustrates how local businesses navigate these policies, reflecting both the cultural richness of Lleida and the influence of global trends in the wellness industry. This ongoing negotiation between local identity and global influences continues to shape the linguistic landscape of Lleida, making it a fascinating case study in contemporary sociolinguistics.
Results and Discussion
Figure 5: LL token Source: photo taken by the students Emily Vaca and Alba Sanahuja
The Arya Tara signage holds multiple values:
Aesthetic Value: According to the Landscape Glossary (2005/2025), aesthetic value refers to the landscape's capacity to transmit beauty through elements such as color, form, texture, and cultural significance. The Arya Tara signage embodies this through its contemporary, clear typeface combined with cultural elements, notably the Tibetan Buddhist-inspired name Arya Tara, enhancing both the wellness center's visual appeal and corporate identity. The multimodal design merges text with a symbolic three-color eye motif at the entrance, contributing to landscape diversity as it introduces unique symbolic elements. The use of a distinctive typeface and the warm color orange evokes emotions of joy, positivity, and confidence, providing a harmonious and attractive composition that resonates with the public.
Historical Value: The signage also carries historical value, as defined by the glossary (Glossari de Paisatge | Observatori del Paisatge, 2005/2025), through traces of both regional and global historical elements. The presence of the Catalan and English languages reflects Lleida's socio-historical development and international connections. The inclusion of Tibetan terminology introduces new Buddhist practices to a region where such traditions were previously rare. This creates new layers of meaning within the urban landscape, making these foreign spiritual elements part of Lleida’s evolving cultural narrative.
Identity Representation: The glossary emphasizes identity value as a landscape element that symbolizes belonging. The Arya Tara signage reflects this by reinforcing both local and global identities. Catalan, as the dominant language, affirms the region’s identity and fosters a sense of belonging among the local population. Meanwhile, the use of Tibetan and English signifies openness to international health and spiritual movements. This hybrid composition communicates to both local clients and international or cosmopolitan visitors, combining rootedness with global engagement (Glossari de Paisatge | Observatori del Paisatge, 2005/2025).
Social and spiritual values: The Arya Tara center is a space for social and spiritual interaction. It strengthens social cohesion by providing common ground for intercultural and multilingual exchanges. In line with the glossary’s notion of communication in the landscape, the signage not only informs but also actively creates social meaning. It supports the AVEL (2025) initiative’s principles by promoting multilingualism and inclusivity, highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity in shaping collective identity and fostering social ties.
Social meaning and Englishation processes in Lleida
The complex connection between regional and international languages is highlighted by the Arya Tara signage, which mirrors larger social and economic changes in Lleida. English is becoming increasingly common in business signage, reflecting changing social and cultural dynamics in addition to serving as a tool for advertising. With its origins in international trends, the wellness sector employs English words like “Mindfulness” and "Mindsight" to appeal to a multicultural clientele that includes migrants and tourists.
One of the primary drivers of the spread of English is globalization, a process typically defined in economic terms relating to markets, production, and consumption. The increasing usage of English as a lingua franca in Lleida showcases a broader cultural shift where foreign languages are becoming more prevalent in social and professional settings. This trend is associated with economic benefits, as companies, including Arya Tara, aim to engage with a wider range of customers and index their offerings to cosmopolitan values.
Culturally, the Arya Tara signs illustrate how regional identity and global influences coexist. While maintaining local linguistic distinctions, the combination of Tibetan and German references with Catalan and English indicates an openness to global wellness trends. This demonstrates a hybrid linguistic model where localization and globalization interact to shape Lleida’s evolving sociolinguistic environment. Furthermore, the use of English is often associated with values such as leadership, open-mindedness, and a cosmopolitan outlook, enhancing its appeal in this context.
Concluding Thoughts
It was informative and shockingly close to work on the Arya Tara project. Our first goal in investigating Lleida's linguistic landscape was to simply examine language usage and signage, but it soon expanded to include much more. We felt like we were discovering deeper levels of meaning beneath the surface of our everyday living as we entered the area, looked at the Arya Tara storefront, and noticed the mix of Catalan, English, Tibetan, and even references to Mandarin and German. Language was only one aspect of it; in one tiny area of Lleida, identity, connection, and globalization all blended together.
The Arya Tara sign was interesting as a whole itself. We felt a sense of consistency and local identity when we saw Catalan as the primary language, while the usage of English words like Mindfulness and Mindsight represented worldwide health trends. While references to Tai Chi and Gestalt therapy introduced Mandarin and German elements, the Tibetan influence in the name "Arya Tara" offered a spiritual element. It got us thinking about how globalization creates a diverse, multicultural environment where many identities coexist by layering various customs and languages rather than erasing local identity.
The most notable aspect of the process was how natural it felt once we were out of the classroom. We were able to situate the study in a particular place because of TAK (the map), which also increased our awareness of the social and physical context of language use. For us, TEK (the blog) was the turning point. Writing down our observations let us think carefully about what we have observed and how it relates to more general sociolinguistic trends.
References
Ajuntament de Lleida. (2025). Ordenança municipal de civisme i convivència de la ciutat de Lleida. Retrieved from https://www.lleidaparticipa.cat/public/197/docs/6c2e2ab8cee8ef11cc82f1e8621d78b5.pdf
Chodron, V. T. (2024, 30 May). Arya Tara: A star by which to navigate - Thubten Chodron. Thubten Chodron.
https://thubtenchodron.org/2005/03/practice-of-tara/
Observatori del Paissatge de Catalaunya (2005/2025). Glossari de paissatge.
https://www.catpaisatge.net/en/landscape-resources/landscape-glossary
Holmes, J. (2008). An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. London: Longman. 1-16.
La Paeria (2025). Estrategia de Desarrollo Integrado Local – EDIL LLEIDA
La Paeria (2022). Ordenança Municipal de Civisime i Convivència de la Ciutat de Lleida. https://www.lleidaparticipa.cat/public/197/docs/6c2e2ab8cee8ef11cc82f1e8621d78b5.pdf
Maria Sabaté-Dalmau (2022): ‘Localizing English in town’: a linguistic landscape project for a Critical Linguistics Education on multilingualism, International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, DOI: 10.1080/13670050.2022.2067978
McMahon, J. C. (2024, January 12). How Gestalt therapy works. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-gestalt-therapy-4584583
Prego Vázquez, Gabriela & Zas Varela, Luz (2025): AVEL: Atlas Virtual para la Educación Lingüística en la Superdiversidad.
Rooke Holistic Therapies. (2016, June 18). So what are Qigong and Tai Chi and how are they linked to Shiatsu? https://www.rookeholistic.co.uk/blog/so-what-are-qigong-and-tai-chi-and-how-are-they-linked-to-shiatsu
Université de Lausanne. (2018). Multilingual Lausanne: A linguistic landscape project. Introduction to Multilingualism in Society.
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ReplyDeleteThe blog post "Arya Tara: How Wellness Practices Are Adapting in Lleida" provides a perceptive look at how wellness practices have changed in Lleida, especially as seen through the Arya Tara centre. Since its founding in 1989, Arya Tara has played a significant role in encouraging meditation, yoga, and mindfulness in the neighbourhood. With a focus on inclusive and accessible activities, the post demonstrates how the centre has modified its offerings to accommodate the evolving requirements of Lleida's citizens.
The introduction of mindful yoga classes for people with different physical capacities, such as those who have chronic pain or mobility issues, is one of the noteworthy topics covered. By encouraging a sense of community and wellbeing, this strategy demonstrates Arya Tara's dedication to bringing wellness practices to a wider audience.
This submission taught me how crucial it is to modify wellness programs to accommodate a range of demographics, guaranteeing equality in mindfulness and health activities. This realisation is especially pertinent to our project since it emphasises how important it is to take into account the particular demands and demographics of our neighbourhood when putting English localisation procedures into practice.
The center's focus on blending traditional customs with contemporary accessibility really appealed to me. To provide readers a more thorough grasp of the development of wellness practices in Lleida, the blog should have gone into greater detail about the particular difficulties encountered during this adaption process and how they were resolved.