A Study on the Reception of A Dictionary of Maqiao Based on Online Reader Reviews

Abstract

This study employs sentiment analysis techniques to examine English-language reader reviews of the English translation of A Dictionary of Maqiao on two major overseas platforms—Goodreads and Amazon. In this essay, I quantitatively analyze review data to present trends in star ratings and annual publication, generate word clouds of review themes and sentiment orientations, and identify predominant viewpoints in both positive and negative comments, as well as readers’ evaluations of the translation and translator. This comprehensive approach assesses the reception of the translated work among overseas readers. The findings indicate that readers on both platforms generally respond favorably to Julia Lovell’s English translation. Positive reviews highlight the novel’s innovative structure and narrative style, rich and vivid character portrayals, unique historical and literary value, the author’s philosophical reflections on the beauty of language, and the work’s revelatory significance for contemporary Western literature. Conversely, negative reviews criticize the novel’s linguistic complexity, reading difficulty, slow plot progression, dryness, and the high comprehension barrier due to insufficient cultural background. Based on the translation’s reception overseas, the author proposes suggestions for the international dissemination of Chinese literary works.