From Oral Tradition to Digital Archive: The Transformation of Indigenous Storytelling Practices in the Age of Social Media and Streaming Platforms

Nandita Roy,Dr. Maya Sen

Department of Digital Humanities and Cultural Studies, Christ University (Bangalore)

1. Abstract

Indigenous storytelling traditions are among the most ancient methods of human communication and cultural preservation. Traditionally maintained through oral transmission, these traditions encapsulate communal wisdom, societal values, cosmological insights, and historical recollections. In recent years, digital technologies, particularly social media and streaming services, have increasingly influenced how indigenous communities convey their stories. This study examines the evolution of indigenous storytelling from primarily oral traditions to modern digital formats, assessing the opportunities, challenges, and cultural impacts of this transition. Utilizing a multi-sited qualitative approach that includes textual analysis, interviews with indigenous content creators, and case studies on digital archives, this research underscores how digital archives and platforms can function as instruments for cultural preservation, self-representation, and the transmission of knowledge across generations. The findings indicate that while digital platforms enable wider dissemination and access, issues of ethical representation, digital equity, intellectual property rights, and cultural sovereignty are crucial for the sustainable digital integration of indigenous storytelling practices. The study concludes with suggestions for best practices in digital archiving that honor indigenous knowledge systems while using modern technologies.

2. Keywords

Traditional Indigenous narratives, Oral heritage, Online repositories, Social networking sites, Streaming services, Preservation of culture, Digital cultural studies, Sovereignty of cultural identity