Digital storytelling as a tool for preserving indigenous cultural identities

Thesis Abstract

The erosion of indigenous cultural identities amidst rapid globalization and technological advancement necessitates innovative preservation strategies, prompting this study to explore digital storytelling as a viable tool for safeguarding and revitalizing indigenous heritage. This research aims to assess how digital storytelling can effectively document and transmit indigenous cultural practices, beliefs, languages, and histories to both local communities and broader audiences. The specific objectives include identifying key elements of indigenous storytelling traditions suitable for digital adaptation, evaluating the impact of digital storytelling on cultural identity reinforcement among indigenous youth, and developing a framework for the implementation of sustainable digital storytelling platforms that ensure authenticity and community participation. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this study combines qualitative ethnographic methods and quantitative surveys to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The qualitative component involves semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 40 indigenous storytellers, elders, and youth from two indigenous communities, selected through purposive sampling to ensure rich cultural insights. The quantitative phase surveys 200 community members using a structured questionnaire to measure perceptions of cultural identity strength, engagement with digital storytelling projects, and attitudes towards cultural preservation. Data collection instruments include interview guides, focus group protocols, and validated questionnaires developed specifically for this study, with content validity established through expert review and pilot testing. Reliability of quantitative instruments is determined via Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.8. Data analysis employs thematic analysis for qualitative data, following Braun and Clarke’s methodology, to identify recurring patterns and cultural themes, while quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression techniques to examine relationships between digital storytelling engagement and measures of cultural identity. An analytical framework based on Bakhtin’s concept of heteroglossia and the Cultural Identity Theory guides the interpretation of findings, emphasizing the dialogic and participatory aspects of digital storytelling in cultural preservation. Ethical considerations include obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and securing approval from relevant cultural and institutional review boards. Expected findings suggest that digital storytelling significantly enhances the preservation and transmission of indigenous cultural elements by fostering intergenerational dialogue, strengthening community identity, and increasing youth participation in cultural practices. It is anticipated that the study will reveal a positive correlation between active engagement with digital storytelling projects and perceived cultural pride and continuity among community members, especially the youth. Furthermore, the research is likely to identify key technological features—such as multimedia elements, mobile accessibility, and community-led content creation—that contribute to the authenticity and sustainability of digital storytelling initiatives. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a theoretical and practical framework for leveraging digital narratives as tools for indigenous cultural conservation, integrating digital storytelling into broader cultural revitalization policies. It extends existing understandings of ICT’s role in cultural preservation and offers empirical evidence of its effectiveness within indigenous contexts. The findings will inform policymakers, cultural practitioners, and community development agencies seeking culturally sensitive, participatory, and sustainable digital preservation strategies. The main conclusion emphasizes that digital storytelling represents a potent mechanism to mitigate the loss of indigenous identities, fostering cultural resilience through accessible, engaging, and authentic narratives. Recommendations include promoting community-centric digital storytelling projects, integrating them into formal education curricula, and developing supportive policies for technological capacity-building within indigenous communities. Future research avenues suggested include longitudinal studies on the long-term impacts of digital storytelling initiatives and comparative analyses across different indigenous groups to identify best practices for digital cultural preservation.