Digital storytelling as a tool for preserving indigenous cultural identity and practices

Thesis Abstract

In the face of rapid globalization and technological advancement, indigenous communities worldwide confront significant risks to the preservation of their cultural identities and traditional practices. This study investigates the potential of digital storytelling as a strategic tool to safeguard and promote indigenous cultural heritage, with a particular focus on its capacity to foster cultural continuity among marginalized groups. The primary aim is to analyze how digital storytelling can serve as an effective medium for encoding, transmitting, and reviving indigenous narratives, customs, and histories. Specific objectives include examining the implementation of digital storytelling platforms within indigenous communities, assessing the impact on cultural identity reinforcement, and identifying challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of technology into indigenous cultural practices. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to generate comprehensive insights. The population comprises fifteen indigenous communities in a culturally diverse region, with a sample of 200 community members selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representation across age, gender, and social roles. Data collection instruments include semi-structured interviews with community elders and cultural practitioners, focus group discussions, and digital storytelling participant outputs. Additionally, a structured questionnaire measuring levels of cultural identity, technological engagement, and perceptions of cultural preservation is administered. To ensure validity and reliability, instruments are subject to expert review and pilot testing, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients exceeding 0.8 across scales. Data analysis incorporates thematic analysis for qualitative data, guided by Braun and Clarke’s framework, to identify key themes relating to cultural identity and technological engagement. Quantitative data undergo statistical analysis using regression analysis to explore relationships between digital storytelling involvement and indicators of cultural identity, with hypotheses tested at a 0.05 significance level. The study also applies Social Identity Theory and Cultural Preservation Theory to interpret findings within relevant conceptual frameworks, providing a nuanced understanding of how digital storytelling influences group cohesion and cultural continuity. Expected findings suggest that digital storytelling significantly enhances community members’ engagement with their cultural heritage, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. Evidence points to increased knowledge transfer between generations, revitalization of oral traditions, and strengthened community identity through participatory digital projects. Challenges such as technological access disparities, digital literacy gaps, and risks of cultural misrepresentation are anticipated, alongside strategies to mitigate these issues. The research contributes to existing literature by empirically validating the role of digital storytelling in indigenous cultural preservation and offering a robust model for integrating ICT solutions into cultural heritage management. It advances theoretical understanding of how digital media influence collective identity processes within indigenous settings. The study concludes that digital storytelling can be a transformative tool for cultural revitalization when complemented by culturally sensitive approaches and infrastructural support. Recommendations include scaling up digital storytelling initiatives with community-led content development, investing in digital literacy programs, and establishing policy frameworks to protect indigenous cultural expressions online. The study advocates for further research into longitudinal impacts and technological innovations tailored to specific indigenous contexts to optimize the sustainable preservation of cultural diversity in the digital age.