Questioning translanguaging creativity through Michel de Certeau

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article questions theoretically the conceptualisation of creativity put forth by the translanguaging paradigm, i.e. the speakers' ability to push and break language boundaries and flout behavioural norms. It does so by considering Michel de Certeau's view of everyday language use as creative by virtue of its being able to take advantage of a space of action. De Certeau's view emphasises the existence of constraints as a key aspect of creativity in everyday practices, which challanges the idea that multilingual creativity is necessarily to be seen as transcending boundaries and being disruptive.