Transdiscursivity of Chinese Folklore

This article examines the concept of transdiscursivity as a result of the interaction between the discourses of traditional folklore and mass culture. Folklore, viewed through transdiscursive lens, can be described using the terms of folklorization, folklorism, and mythologism. The transdiscursivity of Chinese folklore deserves special attention as, being studied through contextual analysis, it unveils the reasons behind this phenomenon in general, exposes the interplay between different discourses, and can be indicative of the evolutionary trajectories of Chinese folklore in particular. One of the most powerful drivers of the transdiscursive transition is the influence of consumer society, which compels traditional narratives to adapt and acquire new features. Under the conditions of transdiscursivity, folklore manifests through its representation in video games, cartoons, plays, etc. The fusion of traditional folklore imagery with modern cultural motifs leads to the incorporation of self-development discourse into contemporary adaptations of folklore, which is reflected in the behavior of fictional characters. Concerning Chinese folklore, the conclusion was made that it takes on new features when functioning in a new discursive environment, thereby altering the perception of traditional images by its recipients. Therefore, the folklore discourse of China is constantly evolving in diverse forms, which ensures its vitality and maintains its unique national and cultural specificity.