AN OVERVIEW OF STUDIES ON THE DISSEMINATION AND RECEPTION OF DREAM OF THE RED CHAMBER IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

Chinese literature has played a significant role in shaping cultural identities and fostering literary exchange in multicultural societies, particularly in Southeast Asia. This paper explores the reception of one of China's greatest literary works, The Dream of the Red Chamber, within Malaysia's diverse cultural landscape. It examines how the novel is received, interpreted, and adapted, considering cultural identity, socio-economic status, and technological advancements. The study contributes to theoretical discussions on cultural mediation, identity negotiation, and literary transformation in multicultural contexts. Using a comprehensive literature review methodology, the study analyzes existing research on the dissemination of The Dream of the Red Chamber in Malaysia, identifying key themes, trends, and divergent perspectives in reception studies. The findings reveal the novel's multifaceted reception, emphasizing the influence of cultural identity, socio-economic factors, and technological progress in shaping readers' interpretations. The study highlights common themes and trends in reception, offering insights into the complexities of cultural exchange and literary transformation in multicultural societies. This review contributes to the existing literature on Chinese literary reception by providing an overview of the novel's dissemination and reception in Malaysia. By examining how cultural identity, socio-economic factors, and technology shape reception dynamics, the study offers valuable insights into the complexities of cultural exchange, identity negotiation, and literary transformation within diverse cultural contexts.