Exploring the Multimodal Adaptation Model of Chinese Stories from a Cross-Cultural Perspective: A Case Study of the MV “The Eternal Princess” Adapted from Cantonese Opera

Abstract

This study takes the music video (MV) of the English song “The Eternal Princess,” adapted from the excerpt Xiang Yao of the Cantonese opera The Princess Chang Ping, as a case study to explore the multimodal adaptation model of Chinese stories from a cross-cultural perspective. Through analyzing the interactive relationship between visual and auditory modes, narrative structure, and communication strategies within the MV, the research finds that the audiovisual mode serves as an effective pathway for narrating Chinese stories well. It can transcend cultural boundaries, enhancing the emotional impact and appeal of the narrative. During the adaptation process, emphasis should be placed on character portrayal and the selection of cultural elements. By drawing upon multimodal discourse analysis models, the study reveals the narrative patterns and cross-cultural significance of adapted works. This approach seeks to enable Chinese stories to reach global audiences more effectively and present a credible, appealing, and respectable image of China.