Lessons from a Translingual Romance: Conflict and Cultural Innovation of Intercultural Couples

Intercultural couples (ICs) often face unique challenges that go unnoticed. This book delves into the experiences of 20 ICs living in Singapore and explores the complexity of their experiences through the lens of translanguaging. It shows how ICs mix language and culture in a borderless manner, not only between spouses but also with their wider families. Additionally, the authors examine the significance of technological advancements, which have transformed ICs’ experiences over the past decade. In particular, parents-in-law pose a significant challenge for Asian-Western couples, as the relationship with them in Asia differs from that in the West. Each couple’s unique shared culture and language transcends the borders of nation-states, requiring exchange, sharing, negotiation, and adaptation. This book provides an easy-to-read, holistic exploration of the issues faced by ICs, offering insight into overlooked aspects such as location, in-laws, and technology.

Jieun Kiaer is the Young Bin Min-KF Professor of Korean Language and Linguistics at the University of Oxford, UK. Her research interests include intercultural communication from an Asian perspective, East Asian linguistics, and multilingualism. Her recent publications include Translingual Words (2019), Delicious Words (2020), and Multimodal Communication in Young Multilingual Children: Learning beyond Words (2023).

Hyejeong Ahn is a Senior Lecturer at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, Australia, and has extensive professional experience in Australia, South Korea, and Singapore. She has published widely on intercultural communication and World Englishes, including her books Beyond Borrowing: Lexical Interaction between Englishes and Asian Languages (2023) and Attitudes to World Englishes (2017).