Translanguaging as a wrecking ball, a paradigm buster - and a potent weapon in the hands of the Global South

Translanguaging como uma bola de demolição, um destruidor de paradigmas - e uma arma potente nas mãos do Sul Global

Abstract

This paper takes a look at the underlying reasons for the emergence and the growing popularity of the phenomenon of translanguaging. I argue that, over and above the flippant and jocose attitude, widely discussed in the literature, that it betrays, translanguaging also bespeaks a certain political positioning and often posturing. This aspect of translanguaging becomes all the more evident when we view it against the backdrop of postcolonialism, a marked trait that defines many of the up-and-coming emergent nations right across the world.

Keywords:
translanguaging ; irreverence ; political posturing ; post-colonialism ; emerging economies ; Global South