A study on the linguistic landscape of international public spaces in Shanghai: a cosmopolitan translation perspective

Since the 1930s, Shanghai has evolved into a dynamic crossroads of Eastern and Western cultural exchange, increasingly positioning itself as a critical hub for global intercultural dialog. International communities in Shanghai, serving as microcosms of international coexistence, present a complex linguistic landscape where Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean dominate public signage. This paper examines the cosmopolitan dimensions of translation practices within these communities’ linguistic landscapes, particularly focusing on the symbiotic relationship between textual and visual elements. By analyzing translation strategies for bilingual, multilingual, and multimodal signs, the study highlights how translation not only facilitates cross-cultural communication but also actively shapes urban internationalization. In global cities like Shanghai, cosmopolitan translation in public spaces subtly accommodates diverse populations while fostering a hybrid yet cohesive urban identity. Departing from conventional disciplinary boundaries, this research bridges translation studies, urban sociology, and cosmopolitan theory, proposing that translation functions as both a methodological tool and a conceptual framework for interdisciplinary inquiry. The findings aim to expand the theoretical scope of translation studies while offering practical insights for multilingual urban planning.