Cross-Cultural Interpretations of Romance of the Three Kingdoms in Southeast Asia: A Review

Author Information

Hoang-Nam Tran, Tokushima University, Japan
Shinichi Takahashi, Tokushima University, Japan
Cheng-Hai Jin, Tokushima University, Japan

Abstract

This literature review examines the state of research on the presence of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a Chinese classical literature, in several Southeast Asian countries. The study aims to explore the cultural significance, adaptations, and interpretations of the novel within the region, highlighting its enduring influence across diverse contexts. Using a search of literature from 2000 to 2024 on mainly Google Scholar, the review emphasizes how elements of the novel—loyalty, strategy, governance, and heroism—manifest in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. In Vietnam, research documents the integration of the novel’s characters and narratives into folklore and resistance traditions. In Thailand, studies reveal its influence on folk tales and traditional theater. In Malaysia and Singapore, scholars emphasize its role in media, political discourse, and educational materials within Chinese communities. In Indonesia, the novel’s themes are shown to merge with local folklore and contemporary adaptations, reflecting historical Sino-Southeast Asian interactions. This review provides evidence of the novel’s enduring popularity across the region while identifying gaps in the literature, particularly in comparative studies and underexplored cultural dimensions, paving the way for future research into its cross-cultural interpretations.

Save as a Favourite