Transkulturalitet

Transkulturalitet is a concept in cultural studies and the social sciences that describes the dynamic processes by which cultures influence, interact with, and transform each other in a globalized world. The term is closely associated with late-20th-century theoretical work, notably Wolfgang Welsch, who used transkulturalitet to move beyond ideas of fixed, separate cultures and toward continuous exchange and mutual learning. It focuses on cultural flows, contact zones, and the creation of new, hybrid practices rather than the simple coexistence of distinct cultural groups.

Key features include permeability of cultural boundaries, reciprocal influence, and the production of hybrid identities and practices. Transkulturalitet emphasizes processes of translation, adaptation, and appropriation in which meanings, symbols, and technologies circulate across contexts such as migration, media, and transnational networks. It treats culture as dynamic, porous, and continually renegotiated rather than static.

Relation to other concepts: while multiculturalism highlights coexisting groups and interculturality stresses interaction, transkulturalitet foregrounds ongoing mixing and emergent forms. Related ideas include hybridity (Homi Bhabha), creolization (Ruben Ortiz), and transculturation (Fernando Ortiz), each emphasizing different aspects of cross-cultural exchange.

Critiques note that the concept can be vague or universalizing, potentially glossing power imbalances or conflicts. Critics also warn that hybridity might eclipse enduring inequalities. Nevertheless, transkulturalitet is used in education, migration studies, anthropology, and cultural policy to analyze how individuals and communities navigate identities, belonging, and creativity in transnational spaces.