Traditional Storytelling Research Articles

Modernism-context and Overlooked Literary Manifestations

The following paper discusses the emergence and characteristics of modernism, a dominant trend in art and culture that emerged in the late 19th century. Modernism encompasses various aspects of culture, including high art, criticism, city planning, and more. In literature, modernism represents a reaction against the conventions of realist narrative, moving away from traditional storytelling and embracing new techniques such as interior monologue and showing instead of telling. The research explores the debate on whether modernism has come to an end. Critics argue that it ended around 1930, while others disagree, pointing to the continued emergence of literary studies on modernism and its influence on various literary theories. The concept of modernism is discussed in an interdisciplinary context, encompassing various artistic currents, including symbolism, impressionism, expressionism, and more. The paper also touches upon the development of modernism in different art forms like visual arts, music, and architecture, and its influence on the concept of the “Bauhaus” movement. Furthermore, the paper discusses the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement centered in Harlem, New York, during the early 20th century. It highlights prominent figures of the movement, such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Richard Bruce Nugent, who expressed African American life and culture through various forms of art. The impact of mass culture on modernism is also explored, with references to Mathew Arnold’s concept of culture and anarchy and F.R. Leavis’ criticism of mass civilization and its effect on authentic feeling and responsible thinking. Overall, the paper provides and overview of modernism’s multifaceted nature, its influence on various art forms, and its interaction with societal and cultural shifts during the 20th century.

DIGITALIZED BRIEFS: REFRAMING THE INFLUENCE OF THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT ON READERS' ENGAGEMENT WITH FLASH FICTION

The proliferation of digital platforms has redefined readers' engagement patterns, especially with concise narratives like flash fiction This research delves into a thorough analysis of the distinctive characteristics of flash fiction, a form that is currently gaining popularity and widespread acceptance due to the enjoyment it gets from the digital environment. Embracing the essence of brevity, flash fiction thrives on conciseness and magnetizes its audience within a limited word count. With the advent of digital platforms and technological advancement, the boundaries of traditional storytelling have expanded, providing a fertile and dynamic environment for the growth of flash fiction. The research employs an interdisciplinary approach, interweaving threads from psychology, media analysis, and literary criticism to investigate the specific aspects of the digital milieu that are crucial to the heightened engagement and enjoyment felt by flash fiction enthusiasts. This study seeks to shed light on the fundamental mechanisms that contribute to the magnetic pull of flash fiction in the digital domain by analyzing a variety of dimensions, including interaction, accessibility, social connection, and creativity. A fundamental component of this exploration is to unravel the core processes that elevate the appeal of flash fiction in the digital world. By dissecting these aspects, the research illuminates how the combination of these factors works in unison to enhance the charm of flash fiction in the digital age.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0049/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Folk Ballads: An Enduring Connection in the Digital Age

Folk Ballads: An Enduring Connection in the Digital Age this paper explores the timeless appeal of folk songs and their continued resonance in today's digital age This explores how these traditional narrative songs retain their relevance through culture internal transformation, digital convergence and cross -generational destiny. By examining the intersection of oral tradition and online community, this study reveals the ways in which folk galdas identify, evoke emotion, and bridge generational gaps through historical context and on a mixture of contemporary examples, this insight reveals the enduring power of folk music to connect people across time and technology. It delves into the fascinating world of folk music, tracing their journey from ancient oral tradition to its current significance in the digital age and examining what a given of these narrative gems would look like multiple generations are capable of exceeding the limits of time and technology. By examining the fusion of traditional storytelling and contemporary digital platforms, the study revealed the ways in which folk galdas can become vehicles for cultural expression, emotion and resonance Online communities, streaming services , social to revive interest in these ballads among contemporary audiences -It also highlights the role of the media. The study also examines the ways in which folk music serves as a means for intergenerational connections and generates shared historical and cultural heritage. Through a multi-dimensional lens, this research sheds light on the enduring thread that connects past classical music and current digital performance.

The Democratic Citizen, Political Plasticity and National Development: A Psychological Perspective

The global context in which national development is taking place has changed in important ways, including widening and entrenched inequalities, deglobalisation, weakened democracies, more aggressive dictatorships and the rise of authoritarian strongmen in many countries. Within this changed context, we examine the central role of the democratic citizen and political plasticity in national development. Our arguments are supported by reference to empirical psychological studies, as well as applied challenges in national development. We identify the 10 most important psychological characteristics of the democratic citizen. Achieving these characteristics requires change, which we discuss through the concept of political plasticity, how fast, in what ways, and how much political behaviour can (and cannot) be changed. We point out that in some domains political plasticity is very low and changes extremely slowly. We identify a narrative approach as the best path for nurturing democratic citizens, building on the narrative story-telling tradition that is already indigenous to many non-Western societies. The incorporation of a narrative tradition to strengthen democratic citizenship does not require expensive technology or other material resources.

ENHANCING STUDENTS' SPEAKING PROFICIENCY: INVESTIGATING THE EFFICACY OF THE STORY COMPLETION TECHNIQUE

This study investigated the effectiveness of the Story Completion technique in improving students' speaking proficiency. It focused on secondary school students in Indonesia, addressing a research gap in this specific context. The study involved 60 participants divided into two groups, using a Quasi-experimental design. Data collection included pre-test and post-test speaking assessments. Analyzing the results with an Independent Sample t-test revealed that the Story Completion technique had a significant positive impact on students' speaking proficiency compared to traditional Storytelling. The statistical analysis confirmed the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis and rejection of the null hypothesis. Additionally, the N-Gain analysis indicated that the experimental group achieved a higher mean score, demonstrating superior speaking skills compared to the control group. In conclusion, this study establishes that Story Completion is an effective and engaging method for enhancing students' speaking proficiency. These findings provide support for the use of the Story Completion technique in teaching speaking skills.

Polish Folk Tale Archive: From Analog to Digital

Abstract The article presents a concise history of Polish folk tale from oral – analogue – beginnings to the digital collections of today. First, the storytelling tradition in Poland is described, secondly, an overview is given on folk tale collections and on the Polish research tradition, and, finally, the current digital folk tale archives are introduced in more detail. The focus of the article is about the recent development of online folk tale indexes and collections by popularising the very rich Polish folk tale documentation and scholarship as a valuable part of the European and global intangible heritage in the digital era.

The Mountain Minor

The Mountain Minor

Reframing Refugee Characters

By allowing viewers to interact with stories, interactive films have revolutionized how viewers engage with social issues and events. The emergence of immersive technologies and interactive storytelling has transformed traditional storytelling forms and methods. These technological advances have rendered interactive storytelling more complex by challenging users to reexamine understandings of the mediated world. Consequently, basic media literacy skills are necessary to benefit from these projects dealing with refugees stories.
 Although interactive storytelling creates new forms of social engagement, the question about which social issues or subjects are most effectively addressed through interactive narratives remains. How do refugee stories and discourses contribute to interactive engagement? This essay analyzes a series of interactive projects focusing on refugees' storytelling, politics, and aesthetics in order to examine their socio-political engagement and their unique attributes. Refugee stories hold a strong emotional appeal, positioning them as ideal for interactive narratives. How do unique refugee experiences of displacement and disarray engage creators and viewers/users/players?
 This essay argues that refugee storytelling interactivity contributes significantly to viewers' engagement with social issues and characters. While creating empathy and responsibility, these projects allow users to connect with people far removed from their own lived experiences. Characters with well-known and reliable stories make users feel closer in the position of moral concern to their situation and can instigate political accountability for their future. In interactive narratives, refugee characters redefine agency and storytelling. They offer the ability to recreate history, engender a change in the world, or revise a topic with a sense of justice toward dependable and trustworthy characters.

Introduction

Introduction

Training caregivers to make meaningful connections with persons living with dementia: Telehealth strategies from the Pacific island of Guam

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) are not only characterized by a decline in memory and cognition, but also by marked difficulties in language, communication, and social functioning. As ADRD progresses, it becomes increasingly challenging for persons living with dementia to participate in social interactions with family, friends, and caregivers, adversely impacting their well‐being and quality of life. Despite impairment in social functioning, persons with dementia still enjoy interaction with others and respond positively to social contact even in advanced stages. Thus, there is a need to develop effective strategies for interacting with persons living with dementia in a meaningful way.MethodA telehealth dementia care training initiative was developed in the Pacific island of Guam focused on teaching family and professional caregivers to make meaningful connections with persons with ADRD through a wide range of stimulating, culturally responsive activities adapted to meet their unique needs, interests, and abilities. Activities were designed to provide opportunities for social engagement and simultaneously to help persons with dementia remain mentally and physically active. Examples include: (1) making meaningful connections with persons with dementia during activities of daily living; (2) rediscovering Guam’s history and culture through family‐based virtual museum tours; (3) embracing the oral storytelling traditions of Pacific island cultures by sharing family memories; (4) employing culturally responsive bibliotherapy by reading indigenous stories and picture books together; (5) stimulating the mind through collaborative readings of poetry; (6) soothing the aches and pains that come with aging by providing therapeutic massage; and (7) integrating music, dance, and movement into each day. All trainings were conducted in virtual family caregiver support group sessions as part of a comprehensive telehealth outreach program designed to provide improved access to dementia care support services for persons with dementia and their caregivers in Guam.ResultApproximately 60‐100 family and professional caregivers participate in the program each month.ConclusionProgram outcomes indicate that telehealth training in activity‐based dementia care can be an effective way to help caregivers learn to make meaningful connections with persons living with dementia.

“Fourth‐wall breakiness or whatevs”: Presumed self‐awareness in American superhero comics

AbstractStudies on reflexivity in the field of comics studies have been scarce and, more often than not, disconnected from each other, which has resulted in overlapping, and sometimes even contradicting, classifications of reflexive devices. Therefore, this article analyzes different instances of self‐awareness in American superhero comics, as it has become quite a popular feature in recent years. In order to systematize the corpus of American comics which feature self‐aware characters, Pardo's theoretical model of reflexivity results highly advantageous due to the fact that its transmedia categories provide a useful framework to explore those elements which are particular to comics narration, such as panels, speech balloons, splash pages, and more of the like. At the same time, this theoretical model connects comics' self‐consciousness to the larger storytelling tradition of Western culture—after all, some of the most important studies on reflexivity stem from literary and film studies, from scholars such as Alter, Hutcheon, Waugh, and Stam, to mention a few. This article, then, provides a theoretical review of key definitions from the field of reflexivity before applying said categories to a corpus of American superhero comics which includes titles such as The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Black Hammer, and Empowered, as well as some Bat‐Mite strips and a few Deadpool and Harley Quinn issues. The analysis mainly focuses on the diegetic disruptions that self‐aware characters trigger in comics—particularly considering the formal elements of the medium—to prove that reflexivity, despite having been deemed as a tool to tackle serious existential and ontological issues in canonical works, operates as a bridge which brings readers as close as possible to the fictional realities in their favorite superhero comics.

A Tale of Wonders in Performance: The Precious Scroll of Wang Hua in the Storytelling Tradition of Changshu, Jiangsu, China

Baojuan (precious scrolls) are a type of prosimetric literature in the vernacular language that flourished in the lower Yangzi valley between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Most baojuan texts are devoted to religious themes, often involving wondrous figures and events which can be characterized as “supernatural”. The Precious Scroll of Wang Hua (Wang Hua baojuan 王花寶卷) is a comparatively late text centered on the marvelous apparitions leading to the salvation of a lay person. It is a widespread text of the southern “scroll recitation” tradition as it survives in Changshu, Jiangsu, but to date, it has not received attention from scholars of Chinese popular literature and religion. Still, it is important for understanding the origins, development, and functions of precious scrolls and their contribution to the field of Chinese popular religion. The original text of the Precious Scroll of Wang Hua formed ca. end of the nineteenth century, but the present research mainly uses the manuscript version of a modern performer from the vicinity of Changshu (ca. 1995). This narrative combines two major topics of the wondrous manifestation of Bodhisattva Guanyin and the descent to Hell. Both topics can be traced back to the early “miracle tales”. Here, they have been adapted to the local life and cultural setting. The figure of the skeptical and egoistic Wang Hua who initially rejected the injunctions of Guanyin is a type well known to the modern audiences of baojuan. Thus, the supernatural elements serve the purpose of reconfirming traditional beliefs and values in the contemporary society.

To What Extent does Herodotus Histories Indicate the Achaemenid Persian Empires Success in Administration and Organization?

Herodotus Histories is one of the first works of history (Momigliano) and serves as a record of the ethnic groups, cultures, and events from around the Mediterranean and in West Asia and North Africa from mythological antiquity to around the Greco-Persian Wars. Because it is founded on the tradition of oral storytelling, bias, myth, misinformation, and judgment are apparent throughout. Therefore, this paper aims to examine Herodotus rhetoric and evaluate to what extent the Achaemenid Persian Empire was successful, as indicated by his description. This is done by analyzing the flaws and biases in Herodotus writing and then analyzing the Achaemenid system of governance, physical infrastructure, and failures in the Ionian Revolt. The paper concludes that although Herodotus highlights the shortcomings of Persian administrators, the overall competence of the regime seen in the descriptions outweighs its flaws.

Articulating the Suppressed Voices of the Indigenous

This article examines how Patricia Grace’s Baby No Eyes (BNE) amplifies Maori cultural identity. Specifically, this study discusses how the novel places Maori in the center as a way to subvert the colonial and conventional way of writing about the indigenous people. The data is collected from the novel’s narrative structure, points of view, and contents. The analysis focuses on the narrative about the marginalization of Maori by the White people. The novel uses a non-linear narrative that resembles Maori’s story-telling tradition, offering an alternative way of telling stories greatly dominated by modern Western linearity. The novel also employs multiple points of view, representing the egalitarian Maori tradition of giving chances to everybody in telling stories in the community hall. In terms of its contents, BNE foregrounds fundamental issues to the survival of Maori in the land that has been controlled by European descendants. These range from the issue of land rights to the contemporary life of Maori. This article argues that the novel offers a dual approach in articulating the voice of the subaltern: the narrative of resistance in the novel and the invitation for Maori to negotiate their tradition and customs in the changing world.

Time to Teach Age Old Values Yamas and Niyamas as Part of Value Education to School children

Value-based education aims to train students with appropriate attitude and values when they are interacting with their friends, family and outside the school. It helps in developing the child’s Personality, Character, Citizenship, and Spirituality. Stories are an effective tool and an ideal medium through which children can be taught essential life lessons. In ancient India, children were taught values and ethics through the oral story-telling tradition. Stories from Indian Folk tales such as Panchatantra, Hitopodesha, Epics like Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita were told to children during their childhood to teach them Ethics, Values which plays a significant role in their personality development. In this article, we have attempted to bring out the commonality between the values as given in Patanjali Yoga Sutras and HYP as Yamas (Social Discipline) and Niyamas (Personal Discipline) with the characters of Ramayana and the values given in Bhagavad Gita. It is easy to incorporate them in the curriculum with the help of stories class wise.

“Make Stories That Will Always Be There”: Eagle Books’ Appeal, Sustainability, and Contributions to Public Health, 2006–2022

We aimed to determine why the Eagle Books, an illustrated series for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) children to address type 2 diabetes, remain viable long after their release. We sought to answer 2 questions: Why did the books maintain popularity? What factors have sustained them? Type 2 diabetes burgeoned in the US after World War II, compounding a long legacy of injustices for AIAN peoples. By the 1980s, their rates soared above those of White people. Concerned for future generations, Tribal Leaders suggested that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Indian Health Service use traditional storytelling to teach children about staying healthy. Public health interventions are most effective when culture and history are integrated into health education, particularly stories to address a relatively new disease for AIAN peoples. From 2008 through 2013, we conducted a case study among 8 tribal communities to evaluate the uptake of the Eagle Books across Indian Country. To understand the Eagle Books' sustained appeal, in 2022 we reanalyzed the original case study themes and analyzed for the first time themes that emerged from evaluation results in the Eagle Books' program literature. These were programs that had independently evaluated their use of the Eagle Books and published their findings. Outcomes demonstrated continuous application of the Eagle Books in diverse community interventions, influencing children's healthy choices. Community implementers described sustainability components, such as the books' versatility, flexibility of use, and availability online and in print. Historical, social, economic, and environmental health determinants intersect with biological and behavioral factors to weave a complex web of causation for type 2 diabetes, beginning early in life. Compelling, colorful stories reflecting traditional wisdom and respect for Western and Indigenous science - through the eyes of a wise eagle, a clever rabbit, a tricky coyote, and kids in T-shirts and sneakers - can positively influence community health.

The European Bear’s Son Tale: Its Reception and Influence on Indigenous Oral Traditions in North America

The primary purpose of this article is to explore the way that the Bear’s Son tale, a wide-spread European folktale, came to be incorporated into the oral storytelling traditions of Native Americans. The work is divided into three parts. In the first section the reasons that led me to begin to investigate the European tale are discussed. The second part is dedicated to a discussion of the European tale itself, its plotline and geographical diffusion within Europe and North America. In the third section, I reflect on how and why versions of the European tale came to attract the attention of Native American storytellers, as well as the time frame that might be assigned to the transfer of these oral traditions.

Storytelling App for Child Using Natural Language Processing (NLP)

The paper introduces a mobile app that is specifically designed to enable hearing-impaired children to access stories. The app differs from traditional storytelling methods, which involve reading or listening to stories, as it converts written text into sign language images using two algorithms. The first algorithm utilizes speech APIs to convert text to speech, while the second algorithm uses natural language processing techniques from the NLTK toolkit to convert speech to sign language. The app is capable of translating english words into Indian sign language, making it an invaluable tool for caregivers, teachers, and parents of hearing-impaired children. This research project contributes to the field of assistive technology by providing a platform that caters to the specific needs of hearing-impaired children, allowing them to enjoy stories in a way that is tailored to their unique abilities. One of the unique features of the app is its ability to translate English words into Indian Sign Language, which is particularly beneficial for caregivers, teachers, and parents of hearing-impaired children in India. By offering a platform that caters to the specific needs of hearing-impaired children, this research project contributes significantly to the field of assistive technology. The app's innovative approach to storytelling provides a tailored experience that allows hearing-impaired children to enjoy stories in a way that is engaging and accessible. This app has the potential to transform the way hearing-impaired children access stories, and its contribution to the field of assistive technology is significant. Overall, this paper underscores the importance of developing technology that caters to the needs of diverse communities and highlights the possibilities that emerge when technology is designed to serve all members of society.

Enhancing communicative competence in English Second Language classrooms through traditional storytelling

This paper aimed to explore the use of traditional stories as a tool to facilitate and enhance communicative competence in English Second Language (ESL) classrooms. The sudden switch from in-person to online instruction during COVID-19 caused a decline in communicative activities, including traditional storytelling. Any language program should aim to generate learners who are proficient in communication. According to research, even learners with low motivation and poor academic skills are more inclined to listen and put much effort into the narrative setting. This paper is grounded on Gardener’s Multiple Intelligences Theory, which challenges the traditional view of the Intelligent Quotient Theory and enables teachers to take a renewed look at other views about learning development. This study adopted an interpretive paradigm entrenched in a qualitative approach using a case study design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 5 conveniently selected Grade 6 teachers. Content analysis was used to analyse data. Findings revealed that (i) learners are not engaged in traditional storytelling in schools and (ii) a lack of recordings of traditional stories. The lack of traditional storytelling in schools denies learners opportunities to share their cultural knowledge and values. This paper recommends that traditional stories be included in the school curriculum to improve learners’ communication skills. Furthermore, traditional storytelling can act as a vehicle for restoring the learners’ culture.

The Killing of Sambuka

The episode in the final book of Valmiki’s Ramayana, in which Rama executes a Sudra ascetic named Sambuka, has garnered critical discussion and creative reimagining over the centuries since it was composed. This paper situates the episode as a late addition of the Uttarakanda and its place therein, considering relevant semantic developments of the terms dharma and tapas, and changes in the rigidity of caste boundaries that allegedly took place during this time. Analysis of both pre-modern and modern creative engagements with the Sambukavadha reveal adjustments to the ways in which Rama, Sambuka, and the Brahmana advisors are portrayed and the values and concerns that these changes reflect in the corresponding social and cultural milieux. Finally, the episode as it appears in Anand Neelakanthan’s mythical novel, Asura: Tale of the Vanquished: The Story of Ravana and His People, is considered as recent addition to the living storytelling tradition.