Background of the Study
Narrative cohesion is fundamental to effective storytelling as it links discrete parts of a narrative into a meaningful whole. In Igbo digital storytelling in Enugu, traditional oral practices are being reinterpreted and transformed in digital media platforms. These stories—often shared via video, social media, or digital archives—use elements such as chronological sequencing, repetition, and transitional markers to create cohesion (Ikechukwu, 2023). Digital storytellers merge traditional Igbo narrative techniques with modern digital aesthetics, producing narratives that reflect both cultural heritage and contemporary issues. This synthesis not only preserves indigenous storytelling practices but also adapts them to the fast-paced digital environment. Moreover, digital narratives offer new opportunities for audience interactivity, enabling viewers to provide feedback and influence narrative progression. Such interactive features can reinforce cohesion by creating a sense of communal participation in storytelling. However, the transition to digital media also poses challenges, including potential disruptions in narrative flow due to platform constraints and editing practices. This study explores how narrative cohesion is achieved in Igbo digital storytelling by analyzing thematic progression, coherence markers, and audience engagement. The findings aim to inform both academic theories of digital discourse and practical strategies for preserving cultural narratives in the digital age (Chukwudi, 2024; Nwachukwu, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the rich tradition of Igbo storytelling, little is known about how digital media affect narrative cohesion in these narratives. Traditional cohesion strategies may be altered or lost in digital adaptations, leading to potential fragmentation of cultural narratives. Existing discourse models often overlook the interplay between digital platform constraints and traditional narrative practices. This research addresses the gap by investigating how Igbo digital storytellers maintain coherence and whether audience interactivity contributes to narrative unity. Without a clear understanding of these processes, efforts to preserve cultural heritage via digital media may be undermined, potentially weakening the transmission of indigenous knowledge (Ikechukwu, 2023; Chukwudi, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
1. To identify cohesive devices used in Igbo digital storytelling.
2. To examine the effect of digital media on narrative unity.
3. To propose strategies to enhance narrative cohesion in digital platforms.
Research Questions:
1. What cohesive devices are most prominent in Igbo digital narratives?
2. How does digital platform usage affect narrative coherence?
3. What strategies can strengthen cohesion in digital storytelling?
Significance of the Study :
This study is significant as it bridges traditional narrative theory with modern digital communication, offering insights into how Igbo cultural heritage is maintained online. The findings will guide content creators and educators in designing digital storytelling practices that preserve cultural integrity and enhance audience engagement (Ikechukwu, 2023; Nwachukwu, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is confined to analyzing Igbo digital storytelling in Enugu using discourse analysis and does not extend to oral or print narratives outside digital media.
Definitions of Terms:
• Narrative Cohesion: The ways in which story elements are linked to form a coherent whole.
• Digital Storytelling: The practice of using digital media to tell stories.
• Igbo Digital Narratives: Stories in the Igbo language shared through digital platforms.
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