The Impact of Cognitive Schemas on the Reception and Interpretation of Foreign Literary Works: A Cross-Cultural Exploration

This comprehensive study investigates the profound influence of culturally embedded cognitive schemas on the reception and interpretation of foreign literary works within the Chinese cultural context. Combining qualitative and interdisciplinary methodologies—including textual analysis, semi-structured interviews, comparative case studies, and theoretical frameworks from cognitive psychology and cross-cultural communication—the research systematically examines how Chinese philosophical traditions (Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism) and Western individualism shape distinct interpretive paradigms. Through an in-depth exploration of 20 foreign literary works, interviews with 50 participants (students, translators, and educators), and a comparative analysis of Chinese and Western critical reviews, the study identifies recurring patterns of misinterpretation, adaptation, and re-contextualization. Key findings reveal that Chinese cognitive schemas prioritize relational harmony, collective morality, and contextual narratives, leading to interpretations that often diverge from authorial intent. The research underscores the necessity of culturally sensitive translation practices, pedagogical strategies that bridge cognitive gaps, and policy initiatives to foster global literary dialogue. By integrating empirical data with theoretical insights, this paper contributes to the fields of translation studies, comparative literature, and intercultural communication, offering actionable recommendations for scholars, educators, and policymakers.