Sharjah: Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the 25th Sharjah International Narrator Forum, emphasized the importance of adapting to rapid developments to safeguard heritage and pass it on to future generations. He pointed out that social media influencers have emerged as influential voices, making it essential to merge authenticity with modern technology.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Musallam made these remarks during a dialogue session titled 'The Narrator in His Silver Jubilee: From Local to Global.' The session featured Dr. Aisha Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Centre and General Coordinator of the Forum, and was moderated by Professor Hind Khalifat. It drew a large audience of intellectuals, researchers, university students, and folk narrative enthusiasts.
Al Musallam highlighted the forum's evolution over 25 years, transforming from a regional gathering into a global platform dedicated to preserving intangible cultural heritage. He emphasized Sharjah's commitment to documenting narratives, considering culture and heritage as vital components of the emirate's international standing.
Addressing digital era challenges, Dr. Al Musallam noted that some content creators attract large audiences despite lacking credibility, while authentic narrators struggle to leverage modern tools. He warned that popular memory risks fading unless presented in renewed, engaging formats, advocating for stronger partnerships and strategic use of technology.
The forum has evolved into a comprehensive research and documentation project, producing academic publications and encyclopedias on stories and storytellers. It also hosts workshops and training programs to nurture a new generation of narrators and contributes to UNESCO dialogues on intangible heritage. Additionally, it supports local storytellers with social care and housing in recognition of their cultural contributions.
Dr. Al Shamsi affirmed storytelling as a universal creative pursuit, not limited by gender. She noted that women today are empowered to document their experiences using modern tools and emphasized the global nature of folk tales, with stories like 'Cinderella' appearing in different cultures worldwide.
She stressed the importance of translation in spreading folk narratives globally but highlighted that translations should be undertaken by individuals passionate about heritage to preserve the original texts' essence. The forum has actively introduced storytelling in educational settings, with narrators visiting classrooms to connect youth with cultural roots.
Discussing the forum's future, Al Shamsi emphasized the need to utilize artificial intelligence for archiving and analyzing stories and suggested incorporating science fiction elements to make performances more appealing to younger audiences, while staying true to authentic storytelling traditions.