Understanding micro-blogging users’ translanguaging in Chinese language play: a qualitative phenomenological approach

Abstract

Abstract Whilst existing studies have investigated ludic translanguaging practices in diverse contexts, little knowledge is available on dad jokes, a common language play phenomenon in Chinese online contexts. To fill this gap, focusing on dad jokes on the Weibo platform, this paper investigates how and why translanguaging practices operate in the Chinese language play by micro-blogging users. Drawing upon a theoretical framework of translanguaging and a qualitative phenomenological approach, four types of boundary-transcending language play: interlingual, image-based, trans-semiotic, and intercultural translanguaging play are identified in the current study. Results from semi-structured online interviews with voluntary participants revealed that such creative translanguaging further facilitated the ludic effects of dad jokes and ultimately constructed a humorous translanguaging space for viewers as a source of enjoyment. The findings enrich research literature on ludic translanguaging by demonstrating that the Weibo platform with multimodal semiotic resources provides new sociolinguistic affordances for inclusive, digital literacy practices in language play.