Why oral history matters
Oral storytelling is more than just entertainment. It’s a secret vault, preserving cultural traditions and family histories. Each tale holds the key to understanding not just the events of the past, but the emotions, struggles and wisdom that shaped them. These stories keep the essence of communities alive, making them timeless and deeply personal. In an age of TikToks, slowing down feels impossible, but these stories challenge us to pause.
Unlike written records, oral histories are fluid. They change with every telling, giving them life and energy with each retelling. As they pass through generations, they shift, evolve and adapt, reflecting the changes in society. They’re a dynamic record—telling the story of how we’ve lived, loved and fought, with every telling carrying the heartbeat of the community that created it.
A rich tradition: the art of passing stories down
Generational storytelling has been the backbone of countless cultures around the globe. From African griots who spun historical sagas through song to Native American elders imparting spiritual wisdom through ritual, oral history has been the foundation of human connection for centuries. In Indonesia, stories of ancient kingdoms and mythical creatures pass down through generations, alive with detail and imagination. What’s your favourite family tale that’s been passed down over generations?
Take the tale of the West African Anansi spider, a trickster god whose stories weave through generations. This character, passed down by griots, shapes not just stories but the way an entire culture perceives wisdom and wit. Across the world, stories like these aren't just words—they're the very spirit of a culture preserved in sound.
Credits Rostyslav Savchyn.
The challenge of preservation
Today, we face a threat like never before. While ancient cultures once relied on firelight and communal gatherings, digital entertainment now pulls younger generations away from their roots. Kids scrolling through TikTok may not sit around a fire listening to a story passed down by their grandparents. As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced, it’s easy for the art of storytelling to slip into oblivion. How storytelling preserves cultural traditions across generations is becoming more important than ever. But is digital tech saving us... or speeding up our loss of connection?
This shift isn’t just about losing traditions—it’s about the erosion of connections. Oral histories give us more than facts—they provide context and emotional depth, adding richness to our understanding of the past. But as globalisation spreads and technology advances, those personal connections grow more distant. We’re at a crossroads and the stories we hold dear hang in the balance, waiting to be passed down—or forgotten. But how storytelling preserves cultural traditions across generations is a question we must answer before it fades into the past.
Preserving stories for tomorrow
But it’s not all bleak. Communities and historians are finding new ways to ensure these stories aren’t lost. Technology has become a powerful ally in preserving oral histories. Audio recordings, podcasts and video archives are now the modern-day storytellers. Just like the elders of old, these platforms allow voices to echo across time, capturing the richness of human experience.
Across the globe, local projects are capturing personal stories, preserving memories and wisdom for future generations. By using modern technology, these recordings ensure that the lessons and experiences of the past remain accessible. Just like hitting record on your phone, these methods allow us to create legacies that transcend time. The method may be digital, but the essence is the same: creating connections and passing on knowledge that transcends time. Preserving stories is vital to ensuring the continuity of our cultural traditions.
Storytelling in the digital age
The digital revolution has created new opportunities for storytelling, blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology. Podcasts, YouTube channels, and social media platforms allow individuals from across the globe to share their personal stories. What was once an intimate gathering of family and community now reaches millions.
Take, for example, the rise of 'storyteller influencers'. These digital natives craft tales not just about their lives but about the cultures and histories they’ve inherited. Through videos, blogs and podcasts, they share their unique perspectives on history, love, struggle and resilience. The art of storytelling has morphed into a digital platform, yet the power of the narrative remains the same. It’s still about connecting with an audience, inspiring and teaching.
The future of storytelling
What does the future hold for storytelling? Will it be confined to digital spaces? Perhaps, but storytelling will always remain an essential part of who we are. It’ll adapt to new forms, whether it's through virtual reality experiences, interactive storytelling apps or live-streamed community events. Imagine logging into a virtual space where stories from around the world unfold before you—wouldn’t that be an adventure? But no matter the medium, the essence remains unchanged: connecting, sharing and keeping our stories alive.
Imagine a world where, instead of scrolling endlessly through social media, we log into a virtual space where stories from around the world unfold before us. Here, elders can share their wisdom with global audiences, their words echoing in the hearts of listeners across continents. Technology will bring people together in ways unimaginable—just as storytelling has always done.
Credits Mike Erskine.
Why we need to tell our stories now
Don’t wait for the future to start preserving your own story. Every family has its own narrative—a series of events, struggles and moments that define who they are. What’s stopping you from documenting them? Grab your phone, hit record and start asking your grandparents about their childhood. These are the stories that future generations will cherish.
Think of your own legacy. What if your story was the one that connected a future generation to their roots? Oral history is not just for preserving culture—it’s for strengthening bonds across time. It’s an invitation to share, connect and understand. So go ahead—tell your story. You’re part of a long, living tradition that will echo on forever.
Keep the stories alive
The future of storytelling is in your hands. The world’s stories, whether your grandmother’s favourite legend or a legendary family recipe, deserve to be preserved. Don’t let them fade into the ether. Whether through tech or tradition, storytelling will continue to bind us together. And the voices of the past will forever find a home in our hearts.
Bridging generations through stories
As we move further into the future, one thing remains certain: the need for stories will never disappear. In fact, with each new generation, storytelling becomes even more essential. Our histories, our cultures and our personal experiences will always find a way to be told—whether through ancient firelight or the glow of a screen. The power of storytelling is enduring, transcending the boundaries of time and space. And in that, we find the beauty of our shared human experience.
Hanan
I travel the world to find unexpected stories.
14 February 2025
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