Understanding translanguaging creativity on Chinese Weibo: the example of pseudo-Chinese phenomenon

Abstract Pseudo-Chinese, an emergent online language phenomenon blending Chinese, Japanese, emojis, and emoticons, is examined in this study through a translanguaging lens on Weibo. By collecting and analyzing three threads related to pseudo-Chinese on Weibo, this study employs Jaworska’s digital code plays framework for qualitative analysis, and examines the original posts and their associated comments. The analysis reveals that users exhibit critical metalinguistic awareness and creativity in manipulating linguistic resources, such as simplified and traditional hanzi, homographs, romaji, and trans-scripting, to transcend conventional language boundaries. Users co-construct a translanguaging space through discursive play, demonstrating affirmative engagement with hybrid language practices. This research extends Chinese translanguaging research beyond English-Chinese contexts and illuminates creativity in Japanese-Chinese digital communication.