The Evolution Of Storytelling In Modern Culture

Abstract

Culture is inherently oral in its roots, handed down and evolved through word of mouth. It is an inherent tendency of human beings to retell and to narrate experiences, foster tradition, customs and practices to future generations in order to retain culture. Traced back to pre-historic periods, storytelling, or the art of narrating stories, experiences and customs has been rooted at the earliest pinnacles of human civilization. However, due to its non-generic nature, the art and practice of narration and retelling of stories has been highly fluid, developing and evolving with each new advancement in mannerisms, cultural evolution as well as technological innovation. As the evolution of storytelling is explored, emphasizing its transformation in the modern digital age, despite the rise of written and digital media, oral traditions persist, adapting to new platforms such as podcasts, audiobooks, and social media. Digital storytelling has democratized the art, enabling cross-cultural exchanges and empowering marginalized voices. While Cultural Studies provide insights into storytelling's ideological and societal roles, showing how narratives reflect and shape cultural identities and power structures, modern storytelling incorporates hypertextuality and participatory culture, enabling audiences to co-create and reshape narratives.