Abstract :
In following the broad definition of Thirdspace (Soja 1996), in this discussion, we aim to conceptualise WeChat as a virtual translanguaging space, in which its users flexibly and creatively construct, negotiate, and perform their identities in various daily meaning-making practices. Based on a cross-analysis of four individual WeChat user cases, we aim to illustrate and interpret how overseas Chinese students use their WeChat platforms as virtual translanguaging spaces for selective identity performance. We see such space being constructed through a ‘bottom-up process of interaction between the human beings’ in virtue of social media (WeChat in this research) (Liebscher and Dailey-O’Cain 2013: 16). We pay particular attention to the small semiotic and linguistic signs and forms used and occurred in participants’ interactions, such as their use of self-created words, images, trendy social media slangs, memes, emojis, and etc. We look at the blended these resources participants present in their daily posting, one-to-one and group chats. Drawing on data from WeChat Moment posts, chatting records, face-to-face and online interviews over ten months, we argue that 1) the semiotic creativity becomes the norm in participants’ bottom-up interactions: participants freely, creatively and selectively combine available linguistic and semiotic resources into one post, use multilingual tokens in one-to-one and/or one-to-many chats, or incorporate stylised language or grassroots slangs on social, art or even political commentary; 2) in the process of virtual translanguaging space construction, individual cognition, socio-historical background, and cultural affiliation are intersected and dynamically in play shaping the formation of such a space; 3) the virtual translanguaging space is transformative by nature and functions as a kaleidoscope1(Adams and Van de Vijver 2017) reflecting different sides of the person and enables participants to tell whatever parts of their life stories: a film lover, a Japanese anime fans, an LGBTQ member and supporter, and etc.
