What the study found
Chinese-English mixing and other translingual practices in online spaces were described as complex and multifaceted, involving English, Taiwan Mandarin, Japanese, and other languages, scripts, symbols, and styles. The study found that these practices can display linguistic diversity and fluidity, but that neoliberal uses of English may also align with socioeconomic stratification and local resistance.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that examining widely circulated styles and stereotypes in social media discourse deepens understanding of linguistic diversity, language choice, and the neoliberal power structures shaping workplaces and civic society. The study suggests that these online practices are tied to broader social relations, including gender, racial, and regional relations.
What the researchers tested
The article analyzed Chinese-English mixing and translingual practices in the context of neoliberal multilingualism. It combined critical discourse analysis with descriptions of sociopolitical contexts, and examined social media users’ discursive strategies such as translingual performances, multimodal quotes, affective expressions, metapragmatic discussions, and ideological manifestations.
What worked and what didn't
The analyses revealed dynamic online translingual practices across multiple languages, scripts, symbols, and styles. The paper also reports that translingual practices can be used to show diversity and fluidity, while neoliberal uses of English may stratify along socioeconomic lines or lead to resistant attitudes at the local level.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not provide specific sample details, platform names, or the scope of the data used. It also does not describe limitations beyond the contextual focus on social media discourse.
Key points
- The study examined Chinese-English mixing and translingual practices in social media discourse.
- It found online language use involving English, Taiwan Mandarin, Japanese, and other languages, scripts, symbols, and styles.
- The authors say these practices can express linguistic diversity, but neoliberal uses of English may also reflect socioeconomic stratification.
- The study links these practices to gender, racial, and regional relations in multilingual identities and ideologies.
- The abstract does not give sample details or specific limitations.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Neoliberal multilingualism shapes mixed-language online practices
- Authors:
- Mei-Ya Liang, Chih-Cheng Wang, Shu-Ning Lee
- Institutions:
- National Central University, National Taiwan Normal University, University of Taipei
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-07
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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