Exploring transcultural translanguaging strategies in English literature of a bilingual Chinese author: a corpus-based study

Abstract

Translanguaging, though widely studied in spoken language pedagogy, remains under-explored in written texts produced by bilingual or multilingual authors. This study introduces a new framework grounded in translanguaging practice and transcultural creativity to conceptualize “transcultural translanguaging strategies.” Using this framework, the bilingual Chinese author Qiu Xiaolong’s novel Enigma of China is analyzed to uncover how literary devices reveal transcultural translanguaging strategies. A corpus-based approach, combined with thematic analysis, examines expressions containing cultural keywords from the novel. Five transcultural translanguaging strategies are identified: ‘Place,’ ‘Classic Literature,’ ‘History,’ ‘Specialty,’ and ‘Social Politics.’ These strategies reflect the author’s bilingual identity, convey Chinese cultural heritage, and portray contemporary Chinese society. This research highlights the expressive power of transcultural translanguaging in written bilingual authors’ literature, offering a corpus-based analytical framework to study Asian English literature. It expands understanding of translanguaging beyond spoken contexts, fostering rich interpretations and deep transcultural connections and insights.