From Oral Traditions to Virtual Domains: The Role of Virtual Reality in Reviving Children’s Storytelling

Abstract

Storytelling has served as a central tenet of knowledge transmission, cultural preservation, and holistic human development. Due to globalization and media surfeit, the oral storytelling tradition is facing a decline. As storytelling has a salient influence on the linguistic, cognitive, and social growth of children, this decline should not be treated superficially, and the tradition must be preserved. Accordingly, this study aims to explore how novel technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) can be integrated into storytelling contexts to serve both cultural preservation and holistic child development purposes. Based on secondary data and a qualitative exploratory approach, the study seeks to examine how VR-based storytelling applications can be implemented for the holistic development of children. Furthermore, it explores how library contexts can be deployed as knowledge hubs through which such implementation systems can be established. The findings suggest that immersive and interactive storytelling methods can enhance children’s engagement, language skills, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking skills. Moreover, culturally adaptive storytelling can promote inclusivity and cultural preservation. Accordingly, the study proposes a dual framework: a multilayered child development model centered on VR-based storytelling and an implementation strategy framework positioning libraries as cultural and educational hubs. Nevertheless, counterproductive elements such as the high cost of equipment and software, accessibility issues, ethical and privacy concerns, and the need for trained staff remain significant challenges. The study concludes that, if the proposed frameworks are implemented while ensuring ethical and inclusive practices, VR-based storytelling can serve as a viable channel for cultural preservation and holistic child development in the contemporary era.