Digital Mediation of Translingual Practices and the Formation of Cultural Identity: Visual Representation of Online Engagement of Pakistani Youth on Instagram

Abstract

Pakistan is a diverse country based on multiple languages being used for communication purposes. Social media scholars have replaced traditional code switching with more versatile concepts like translingual practices. To further elaborate on the use of translingual practices in the digital realm, this study aims to explore the role of translingual practices in the construction and negotiation of the cultural identity of Pakistani youth. In order to achieve the goal, this study is based on the theory of translingual practices proposed by Canagarajah (2013). A series of interactions of Pakistani social media users on Instagram posts have been used as a primary source of data collection. This research describes and elaborates on the use of multilingual repertoires incorporated in online platforms, which form an inclusive online community and hybrid identity. The comment analysis analyzes the construction of cultural identity and how translingual practices help negotiate the hybrid identity of Pakistani youth. This study encourages future researchers to explore the communicative practices of Pakistani youth on other social media platforms and apply the theory of Canagarajah (2013) in non-English-dependent countries.

Keywords: Translingual practices, translingualism, translanguaging, cultural identity, code switching, code mixing, digital mediation, Instagram.