Baskadia

Introduction

Folklore and oral traditions have long been the backbone of cultural heritage, preserving history, values, and community identity through storytelling, music, and rituals. However, the digital era has transformed the way these traditions are shared, documented, and experienced. While digitalization has helped in the preservation and dissemination of folklore, it has also altered the nature of these traditions, sometimes detaching them from their original communal settings. Telkom University has been actively researching the role of digital platforms in cultural preservation, assessing both the advantages and challenges of integrating technology into folklore transmission. This article explores how digitalization has influenced folklore and oral traditions, discussing its benefits, risks, and future implications.

The Positive Impact of Digitalization on Folklore

1. Preservation and Documentation

One of the most significant benefits of digitalization is the ability to preserve folklore that might otherwise be lost. Digital archives, video recordings, podcasts, and online databases allow oral traditions to be recorded and accessed by future generations. Traditional stories, folk songs, and myths can now be stored indefinitely, reducing the risk of cultural erosion.

2. Accessibility and Global Reach

With the rise of the internet and social media, folklore is no longer confined to specific geographic regions. Digital platforms provide an opportunity for communities to share their traditions with a global audience. YouTube, online storytelling forums, and educational websites have become new spaces where traditional tales are told and experienced beyond their original cultural context.

3. Interactive and Engaging Methods

Digital technology enables innovative ways to engage with folklore. Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and multimedia storytelling platforms enhance the way traditional stories are presented, making them more appealing to younger generations. Telkom University’s research highlights the role of interactive media in sustaining interest in folklore while ensuring cultural education remains engaging.

4. Revitalization of Endangered Languages

Oral traditions are often tied to indigenous and endangered languages. Digital platforms such as language-learning apps, YouTube tutorials, and online storytelling communities help in documenting and revitalizing these languages. This ensures that both the language and the stories embedded within it continue to be used and valued.

Challenges and Risks of Digitalizing Folklore

1. Loss of Authenticity and Context

Oral traditions thrive in specific cultural and social settings, where interaction between the storyteller and audience plays a crucial role. Digitalization, while preserving content, can strip folklore of its original context, making it less immersive and reducing the emotional connection that comes from live storytelling.

2. Commercialization and Misrepresentation

As folklore becomes more accessible online, there is a risk of commercialization that may alter its meaning. Some traditional stories, myths, and folk dances have been adapted for entertainment, sometimes distorting their original message. Without proper regulation, folklore can be misrepresented or exploited for commercial purposes.

3. Decreased Community Engagement

Traditionally, folklore and oral traditions were passed down through communal gatherings, fostering strong social bonds. With digitalization, there is a risk that storytelling becomes a passive experience, where audiences consume content individually rather than participating in a shared cultural practice.

4. Intellectual Property Concerns

Digital platforms make it easier for folklore to be accessed and shared, but they also raise concerns about ownership and intellectual property rights. Many indigenous communities struggle to maintain control over their cultural narratives, as digital content can be used without proper acknowledgment or consent.

Balancing Digital Innovation with Cultural Integrity

1. Community-Led Digitalization Efforts

To ensure folklore remains authentic, local communities should be at the forefront of digital preservation efforts. Community-led storytelling projects, collaborations with cultural institutions, and initiatives like digital folklore museums can help preserve traditions while respecting their cultural context.

2. Ethical Digital Archiving

Proper documentation practices should be followed to maintain the authenticity of folklore. Ethical considerations, such as obtaining permission from cultural custodians and ensuring accurate representation, are crucial when digitizing traditional stories and oral traditions.

3. Integration of Digital and Traditional Methods

A hybrid approach that combines traditional storytelling with digital media can be beneficial. For instance, live storytelling sessions can be recorded and shared online, while digital platforms can encourage interactive participation rather than passive consumption.

4. Government and Institutional Support

Policies that protect folklore from exploitation and misrepresentation are essential. Governments and academic institutions, including Telkom University, can play a role in supporting cultural preservation through funding, education, and awareness campaigns that emphasize the importance of safeguarding oral traditions in the digital age.

Conclusion

Digitalization has transformed the way folklore and oral traditions are preserved, shared, and experienced. While it offers significant benefits such as accessibility, preservation, and revitalization of endangered languages, it also presents challenges like loss of authenticity, commercialization, and decreased community participation. Finding a balance between digital innovation and cultural integrity is crucial to ensuring that folklore remains a living, dynamic tradition rather than just a recorded artifact. Telkom University continues to explore ways in which digital platforms can serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, keeping cultural heritage alive for future generations.