Spanglish as a builder of hybrid identity in immersive environments
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Abstract
Introduction: The emerging use of Spanglish by young bilinguals from Generations Z and Alpha in social metaverses is analysed with the aim of identifying and categorising the communicative and identity functions of this translanguaging practice in immersive settings and evaluating the ethical implications of its interaction with non-human avatars (NEO NPCs). Methodology: A qualitative multi-method study is undertaken, integrating a content analysis of TikTok and YouTube posts, a digital ethnography in three social metaverses, and semi-structured interviews with young users aged 13 to 17, under the theoretical framework of translanguaging. Results: The main consequences point to the identification of recurrent Spanglish patterns linked to avatar customisation, intergroup humour, and the signalling of bicultural belonging, suggesting that the hybrid language operates as a marker of digital identity in these settings. Discussion: In light of the above, these findings are contrasted with previous studies on digital identity and bilingualism, highlighting the role of the metaverse as a cultural “third space” and the challenges posed by AI when processing hybrid languages. Conclusions: To conclude, the findings allow us to state that Spanglish in the metaverse operates as a performative practice that contributes to consolidating a hybrid identity, which demands educommunicative strategies and more inclusive AI systems.
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