Interasia Memory, or Global? Cross-Cultural Interpretations and Emotional Resonance of Teresa Teng’s Music on Youtube

This paper explores the cross-cultural interpretations of Teresa Teng’s music through user-generated comments on her music videos, positioning these digital platforms as a global site of transcultural memory. Teresa Teng, a legendary figure in Chinese and Asian popular music, continues to evoke powerful memories and emotions among listeners worldwide. By examining the multilingual comment sections under her music videos on YouTube, this study investigates how users from different cultural spheres—Chinese, East Asian, and beyond—interpret and connect with Teng’s music. These comments not only reflect personal memories but also reveal broader narratives about cultural identity, nostalgia, and emotional resonance tied to her music.

Through the lens of transcultural memory and global digital culture, the analysis highlights how users from different cultural backgrounds attribute varied meanings to Teng’s music, from associations with personal relationships to her symbolic status as a Chinese and Asian cultural icon. While some viewers engage with her music through a shared sense of nostalgia, others position her as a cross-cultural ambassador whose voice bridges diverse communities across the globe. This study also explores tensions that arise in discussions about her identity and legacy, particularly in relation to geopolitical issues and the politics of celebrity.

By treating the comment sections as a “global digital memoryscape,” this research sheds light on how digital platforms serve as a space for emotional expression, cultural negotiation, and collective memory-making in the digital age. It contributes to a broader understanding of how global audiences engage with iconic cultural figures in the online public sphere.