Written by: Amal Mohamed
Oral heritage is an integral part of a people’s identity, reflecting their experiences and collective memory across generations. It serves as an effective means of communication between the past and the present
In a country like Yemen, with its rich history spanning thousands of years, including folk tales, traditional songs, proverbs, games, rituals, and social customs varying across different regions, the importance of oral history to preserve this cultural heritage is paramount
However, researchers in the field of Yemeni oral heritage face numerous challenges. Among the most significant are the diminishing role of the elderly as keepers of tradition, the absence of a national archive that documents this heritage in an official and systematic manner, and the geographical conditions and limited financial resources
Additionally, the overuse of digital platforms by young people, often for non-productive purposes, poses a further challenge
To address these challenges and ensure the preservation of cultural heritage, it is essential for researchers, individuals, and especially the youth today, to focus on documenting oral heritage through audio and video recordings. This will allow for the collection of stories and cultural legacies in a technical format that facilitates their preservation and easy sharing
Furthermore, social media platforms can be utilized to raise awareness about the importance of oral heritage, helping to reach a broad audience and increasing public interest, as well as fostering communication within communities
