Translanguaging and translation: the construction of social difference across city spaces

Abstract

This paper considers the construction of social difference in the interactions of a couple as they communicate at home and work, with one another, their colleagues, and strangers in a superdiverse English city. In our linguistic ethnographic approach we observed, wrote field notes, audio-recorded key participants, took photographs, made videorecordings, and conducted interviews. We documented the role translanguaging and translation played and showed how these social practices varied across the city's spatial realms as different kinds of relationships are brought into play. While the interactions can be thematically characterized as broadly about money, business, and commerce, they can also be said to draw on widely circulating discourses about social and linguistic difference. We found that the construction of difference varied qualitatively by the distance and intimacy of the relationships in play. We also found that a translanguaging repertoire was particularly evident in navigating sensitive cultural activities, attitudes and beliefs. This points to the usefulness of translanguaging to signpost an openness to, and interest in, social and linguistic diversity in the market place, where buying and selling are the order of the day.

Exploring Mathematical Representations in Solving Ill-Structured Problems: The Case of Quadratic Function

“…Therefore, researchers need to explore mathematical representations and translations between the mathematical representations in solving quadratic-function problems. Kieran (2004) Some experts explain ill-structured problems as having definitions, goals, and boundaries that are not clearly stated (Voss, 1988); having several solutions, solution paths, or no solutions at all (Kitchner, 1983); having a relationship between concepts, rules, and principles that is not appropriate (Jonassen, 1997). These problems contain unique human interpersonal activities.…”

Functions of Translanguaging Performed by Korean-American Emergent Bilinguals

“…The students exemplified what [32] called "code alignment," which explains that bilinguals consider their interlocutors' language use and that their language choice was influenced by their interlocutors. Past studies found that bilinguals tend to switch their languages for their group identification, solidarity, and intimacy [33,34]. Correspondingly, the current students' translanguaging, which conformed to a principle of code alignment with their interlocutors, indicates that translanguaging appeared to work as a bridge that builds high intimacy in their relationship.…”

Translanguaging and multimodality in workplace texts and writing

“…Lately, however, there has been an increase in publications about translanguaging in the workplace. For instance, Creese et al (2018) show how translanguaging can be used as 'a profitable involvement strategy' (p. 846) and as a salient tool for business (p. 850). Nearly a decade ago, Canagarajah (2011b, p. 6) claimed that translanguaging in writing is an under-researched field.…”