African Cultural Narratives and Dramatisation in Enhancing Linguistic Identity: Language Acquisition through Modern Technology

Authors

  • Limkani Sincuba

    Faculty of Education, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.11779
Received: 23 August 2025 | Revised: 16 September 2025 | Accepted: 17 September 2025 | Published Online: 19 November 2025

Abstract

African culture may be richly interwoven with narratives traditionally expressed through dramatic arts, serving both educational and entertainment purposes. The study seeks to understand the integration of African cultural narratives and dramatic arts with modern technology to enhance linguistic identity and language acquisition among Grade 10 learners. Employing a qualitative case study design, the research utilised a purposive sample of 20 Grade 10 learners and three teachers specialising in dramatic arts, which made a total of 23 participants. Guided by the African Oral Traditional Storytelling (AOTS) Framework, data were collected through structured interviews and analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes. The findings revealed that modern technologies, such as digital storytelling platforms, positively impact linguistic identity development and help bridge the educational disparities between urban and rural schools. Additionally, the study findings include that integration of dramatisation and cultural narratives was found to enhance learner motivation, cultural preservation, and overall educational outcomes. The study concluded that digital tools could play a vital role in preserving the vibrancy of African oral traditions while equipping learners with essential linguistic competencies. The study recommends that by making cultural narratives more accessible and interactive, technology could foster a deeper appreciation for African traditions while promoting effective language acquisition. Recommendations include the implementation of integrated curricula, the provision of teacher training for effective technology use, and further research on emerging technologies such as AI to deepen their impact on language acquisition and cultural preservation. The innovative approach to education demonstrates the potential to create engaging and culturally relevant learning environments that promote sustainable educational practices.

Keywords:

African Oral Literature; Cultural Narratives; Linguistic Identity; Language Acquisition; Modern Technology

References

[1] Mould, T., Vaughn, R.N., 2025. Choctaw Tales: Stories from the Firekeepers. University Press of Mississippi: Jackson, MS, USA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.21655679

[2] Adwiah, A.R., Tantia, A.F., Rantikasari, I.A., 2023. Implementation of Storytelling Method with Folktales in Instilling Character Values in Children: A Study at ABA Warungboto Kindergarten. Golden Age: Jurnal Ilmiah Tumbuh Kembang Anak Usia Dini. 8(1), 47–57. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14421/jga.2023.81-05

[3] Preger, S., 2021. Storytelling in Radio and Podcasts. Springer: Cham, Switzerland. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73130-4

[4] Guroian, V., 2023. Tending the Heart of Virtue: How Classic Stories Awaken a Child's Moral Imagination. Oxford University Press:New York, NY, USA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780195384307.001.0001

[5] Breger, R., Hill, R., 2021. Cross-cultural Marriage: Identity and Choice. Routledge: London, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003136101

[6] Grazer, B., Fishman, C., 2023. A Curious Mind Expanded Edition: The Secret to a Bigger Life. Simon and Schuster: New York, USA.

[7] Ajani, Y.A., Oladokun, B.D., Olarongbe, S.A., et al., 2024. Revitalizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems via Digital Media Technologies for Sustainability of Indigenous Languages. Preservation, Digital Technology & Culture. 53(1), 35–44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/pdtc-2023-0051

[8] Saidu, B., 2025. Traditional Media vs. New Media: Their Impact on African Cultural Preservation and Language Maintenance. KIU Interdisciplinary Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 6(1), 1–22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59568/kijhus-2025-6-1-01

[9] Sumartana, I.M., Hudiananingsih, P.D., Rouf, M.A., 2025. Balancing Globalization and Linguistic Heritage Involves Preserving Mother Tongues Through Inclusive Education that Values Cultural Identity and Language Diversity. Journal of Language, Literature, Social and Cultural Studies. 3(2), 179–196. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58881/jllscs.v3i2.347

[10] Benaired, A., Reguieg, N.B., 2024. Enhancing EFL Learners' Communicative Skills through Dramatisation of Lessons. Journal of Languages and Translation. 4(2), 203–210.

[11] Xia, Y., Shin, S.Y., Kim, J.C., 2024. Cross-cultural Intelligent Language Learning System (CILS): Leveraging AI to Facilitate Language Learning Strategies in Cross-cultural Communication. Applied Sciences. 14(13), 5651. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135651

[12] Wernicke, M., Galla, C., George, N., 2025. Rethinking French-as-a-second-language Education as a Space for Supporting Indigenous Language Work on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Land. The Modern Language Journal. 109(3). 586–606. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.13011

[13] Chiblow, S., Meighan, P.J., 2022. Language is Land, Land is Language: The Importance of Indigenous Languages. Human Geography. 15(2), 206–210. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/19427786211022899

[14] Miller, J., 2025. Many Voices: Bilingualism, Culture and Education. Taylor & Francis: London, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003645412

[15] Márquez, M.C., Porras, A.M., 2020. Science Communication in Multiple Languages is Critical to its Effectiveness. Frontiers in Communication. 5, 31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2020.00031

[16] Ugap, C., Yahaya, W.A.W., Balakrishnan, B., et al., 2025. Tech-Infused Narrative: A Systematic Review of Digital Storytelling in Education. Journal of Advanced Research Design. 131(1), 1–16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37934/ard.131.1.116a

[17] Chukwuemeka, E.J., 2025. Smart Education: Opportunities, Challenges and Future of Traditional Education. International Journal of Smart Technology and Learning. 4(3), 191–202. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/ijsmarttl.2025.146286

[18] Osei-Tutu, A.A., 2023. Developing African Oral Traditional Storytelling as a Framework for Studying with African Peoples. Qualitative Research. 23(6), 1497–1514. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14687941221082263

[19] Ahmad, S., Wasim, S., Irfan, S., et al., 2019. Qualitative v/s. Quantitative Research-A Summarized Review. Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine and Healthcare. 6(47), 2828–2832. Available from: https://journals.indexcopernicus.com/api/file/viewByFileId/916903.pdf

[20] Guba, B., Il'in, A., Potapov, S., et al., 1984. Generation of Highly Coherent Nanosecond Radiation. Journal of Applied Spectroscopy. 40(6), 652–656. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00663563

[21] Lincoln, Y.S., Lynham, S.A., Guba, E.G., 2011. Paradigmatic Controversies, Contradictions, and Emerging Confluences, Revisited. In: Denzin, N., Lincoln, Y. (Eds.). The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research. Sage Publications Ltd.: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA. pp. 91–95.

[22] Creswell, J.W., Poth, C.N., 2025. Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches, 5th ed. Sage: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.

[23] Gulkhara, A., Farzaliyeva, E., 2025. Theatre as a Reflection of Social Change: How Dramatic Arts Capture Cultural Shifts and Historical Transformations. Acta Globalis Humanitatis et Linguarum. 2(1), 254–261. DOI: https://doi.org/10.69760/aghel.02500133

[24] Creswell, J.W., Creswell, J., 2014. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, 4th ed. Sage Publications: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v12n5p40

[25] Guba, E.G., Lincoln, Y.S., 1994. Competing Paradigms in Qualitative Research. In: Denzin, N.K., Lincoln, Y.S. (Eds.). The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research. Sage Publications, Inc.: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA. pp. 105–117.

[26] Nyimbili, F., Nyimbili, L., 2024. Types of Purposive Sampling Techniques with Their Examples and Application in Qualitative Research Studies. British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies. 5(1), 90–99. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37745/bjmas.2022.0419

[27] Sibona, C., Walczak, S., Baker, E.W., 2020. A Guide for Purposive Sampling on Twitter. Communications of the Association for Information Systems. 46(1), 22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17705/1cais.04622

[28] Taherdoost, H., 2021. Data Collection Methods and Tools for Research; A Step-by-Step Guide to Choose Data Collection Technique for Academic and Business Research Projects. International Journal of Academic Research in Management. 10(1), 10–38.

[29] Sudman, S., Blair, E., 1999. Sampling in the Twenty-first Century. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science. 27(2), 269–277. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0092070399272010

[30] Hadinejad, N., 2024. Ethical Considerations of the Digital Age in Higher Education: An Interview-based Study of Student Experiences with ChatGPT as an Example of Generative AI [Master's thesis]. University of Gothenburg: Gothenburg, Sweden. Available from: https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/handle/2077/82097/Studentessay_VT24_PDA184_NH.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y (cited 20 August 2025).

[31] Creswell, J.W., Creswell, J.D., 2005. Mixed Methods Research: Developments, Debates, and Dilemmas. In: Swanson, R.A., Holton, E.F. (Eds.). Research in Organizations: Foundations and Methods of Inquiry. Berrett-Koehler Publishers: San Francisco, CA, USA. pp. 315–326.

[32] Curry, L.A., Nembhard, I.M., Bradley, E.H., 2009. Qualitative and Mixed Methods Provide Unique Contributions to Outcomes Research. Circulation. 119(10), 1442–1452. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.107.742775

[33] Creswell, J.W., Poth, C.N., 2018. Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches, 4th ed. Sage: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.

[34] Mazhar, S.A., Anjum, R., Anwar, A.I., et al., 2021. Methods of Data Collection: A Fundamental Tool of Research. Journal of Integrated Community Health. 10(1), 6–10.

[35] Moser, A., Korstjens, I., 2018. Series: Practical Guidance to Qualitative Research. Part 3: Sampling, Data Collection and Analysis. European Journal of General Practice. 24(1), 9–18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13814788.2017.1375091

[36] Sincuba, L., 2024. Exploring the Transformative Influence of Dramatic Arts Education on Academic Achievement and Personal Development of Grade 10 Students. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research. 23(10), 621–643. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.10.30

[37] Phillips, P.P., Stawarski, C.A., 2008. Data Collection: Planning for and Collecting All Types of Data. John Wiley & Sons: San Francisco, CA, USA.

[38] Babbie, E., Halley, F., Zaino, J., 2007. Adventures in Social Research: Data Analysis Using SPSS 14.0 and 15.0 for Windows. Pine Forge Press: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.

[39] Markarian, J., 2016. Gaining Insight from Process Control Data. Pharmaceutical Technology Europe. 40(3). Available from: https://www.pharmtech.com/view/gaining-insight-process-control-data

Downloads

How to Cite

Sincuba, L. (2025). African Cultural Narratives and Dramatisation in Enhancing Linguistic Identity: Language Acquisition through Modern Technology. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(12), 1331–1348. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.11779