Web Novels as Vehicles of Cultural Transfer Across the Globe. Re-negotiations of Cultural Histories Between East and West

Abstract

The article explores the global circulation of web novels and their rising popularity in the 21st century. Moreover, the study analyses the close connection and relationship between web novels and transmedia storytelling. It focuses on the transformative dimen-sion and adaptive productivity of digital fiction, highlighting the collaborative efforts, which contribute to its fascinating quality and easy dispersion around the globe. Often closely linked to an interna-tional readership preferring a forum-based communication, web novels are at the same time firmly rooted in a cultural imaginary, which they also stimulate and expand.