Introduction 

The intergenerational transmission of cultural traditions, either written or oral, has long been essential to the dissemination of traditions that are fundamental to the heritage and culture of a people. According to Hamlet (2011), the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Northern Illinois University, these vital forms of transmission—such as stories, songs, and proverbs—always value a central message, whether it is to provide meaning to human experiences, preserve ancestral lineage, or provide essential life lessons and survival strategies. Collectively, they serve the fundamental purpose of safeguarding cultural heritage and sustaining the identity and spirit of a people. However, in recent years, there has been a sharp decline in the preservation of written and oral traditions, especially among African American communities, actively eroding cultural values. 

The modern decline of these traditions due to the disintegration of vernacular and communal gatherings has not only led to the loss of cultural history and knowledge, but it has also disrupted links to the past, leading to a loss of dignity, identity, and psychological well-being (Kang’ethe, 2015). The concerning erosion of cultural cohesion raises an important question that must be addressed in order to preserve cultural and generational values: in what ways has the recent decline of oral and written traditions impacted the interconnectedness of cultural identities among African American communities?  

Orality and Oral Traditions 

As stated by Tchindjang et al. (2008), a group of researchers at leading universities, orality—such as language, for example—functions as a foundational pillar of cultural identity, particularly within African American societies. It facilitates the transmission of cultural expression and plays a vital role in the moral and spiritual development of individuals and communities, enriching individuals with feelings of self-fulfillment and knowledge of world views. The Māori, for example, have long emphasized the value of oral histories through rich cultural practices such as narratives, song, and genealogical recitations. These oral practices highlight the dual nature of narratives as both subjective and objective, giving multifaceted interpretations of people, history, and contemporary experiences. These non-neutral and differing perspectives on both personal and global situations are placed mainly in the hands of leaders—traditionally elders, who harvested wisdom and dispersed cultural narratives and values through word of mouth—allowing time to shape the narratives in a personal lense (Binney, 2004). Ghansah (2012) ties this back to black history, stating that the history of black folks is intimate, yet disjoined and unclear. Even on a smaller scale, the existence and prevalence of family histories seem to be fading over time. This idea underscores two important points: the loss of historical knowledge, which underscores the importance of preserving oral traditions, and the often-overlooked yet significant connection between how we document family histories and how we record collective communal histories. When considered in the context of preserving African American Traditions, the resilience and continued survival of cultural languages despite centuries of oppression can be largely credited to spoken records, passed down through generations as an act of preserving collective identity and family legacy (Tchindjang et al., 2008). 

Historically, enslaved Africans who were brought to the Americas against their will were forbidden from keeping their own written records, and were virtually erased from written history altogether, according to Ebron (2025), an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Stanford University. Consequently, preserving their culture and cultural connection was difficult, and, as a result, oral traditions became especially crucial to the history, values, and spirit of the African race. During slavery, oral narratives became a vital means of passing knowledge across generations, as enslaved people were denied formal education (Turner, 1990). A range of expressive forms–including folktales, spirituals, sermons, and storytelling–were used not only to educate but also to foster unity among African people. A sense of community resulted, offering individuals a way to come together and reinforce cultural bonds (Ogunleye, 1997). Furthermore, words served as a powerful form of resistance against the dominant slave owners and leaders. Through coded language and symbolic narratives, enslaved people were able to express defiance, preserve their dignity, and strategize for justice and freedom (Turner, 1990). 

Currently, blogs and online platforms have allowed for new ways of both spreading and preserving culture, shifting the legacy of oral communication. This transition contemporarily modifies Black humor and folktales, but still acts as a necessary force for maintaining cultural traditions. According to Steele (2016), an Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Maryland, these adaptations of traditional practices instill a sense of resistance and identity, allowing for a form of political discourse on online sites regarding modern issues. However, the reliance on these technological tools has taken a toll, fragmenting communities as they struggle to maintain the interconnectedness that was a result of face-to-face interactions. Additionally, the dominance of current-day print and digitalization has eroded the prominence of spoken traditions, leading to a shrinking appreciation for community-based modes of expression that are deeply rooted in African American culture. 

Written Traditions 

The transmission of cultural beliefs, values, and practices is solidified in history due to the crucial role of written traditions. Ranging from spiritual texts to family and community documents, they are a physical form of documenting and preserving these spoken narratives and cultural expressions (Haywood, 2002). Historically, written perspectives and narratives of black captives during the slave trade—such as Briton Hammon and John Marrant—have challenged the then-dominant perspectives of white authors, as stated by Haas (2021), an Associate Professor in American Literature and Culture at University of Bergen. One particular literary achievement, “The Interesting Narrative of the life of the Life of Olaudah Equiano”, is a testament to the written traditions of African Americans, speaking of the oppressive a systems and the so-called “humanity of the enslaved” and touching on the lives and experiences of Africans in the transatlantic slave trade (Fichtelberg, 1993). Other historical periodicals—such as the Christian Recorder—molded communal cultural values and allowed literature to take its place of value in the community (Haywood, 2002). These accounts serve as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the people, leading to a sense of unity and collective purpose (Graham & Ward, 2011). Overall, these written narratives impact society’s understanding of the African American experience and the history of its people, while also highlighting the role that documents continue to play in shaping culture and humanity’s collective history. 

Authors continue to use writing as a powerful tool to address issues that prevail in modern society, such as racial inequality, social justice, and identity. Not only do these documents spark change, but they also inspire and empower communities with their themes of strength and perseverance, while also incorporating aspects of cultural pride. Overall, African American literature bridges differences across cultures and unites communities by challenging stereotypes, fostering dialogue, and creating a more inclusive environment (Ebron, 2025). However, the fast-paced era of digitalization challenges the traditional forms of written communication, diminishing its role and leading to the decline of intergenerational connections that are vital to the understanding of cultural, historical, and generational knowledge (Shams et al., 2020).

Psychological Implications 

The transmission of these cultural traditions is not only a form of communication, but it also acts as psychological building blocks for individual and collective identities. Therefore, the decline of these traditions lead to a cultural drift or division that stems from feelings of displacement and a weakened sense of self (Kang’ethe, 2015). Due to cultural identity’s importance in the lives of human beings, the lack of a sense of belonging could be detrimental to psychological health (Taylor & Usborne, 2010). As stated by Berry and Annis (1974), prominent researchers of cultural identity and community wellbeing, it is important to realize that this diminishment puts a strain on individuals and generations as a whole, as a cultural disconnect not only leads to the loss of personal identity but it also results in the lack of transmission of coping mechanisms and traditional healing practices that are unique to a specific group. Resilience also plays a major role, as the feelings of belonging and purpose safeguard people against psychological distress. Therefore, the diminishment of these traditions leads to a decrease of both individual and collective resilience, resulting in a more vulnerable population that is disproportionately affected by social and economic disparities. 

The disappearance of cultural origins that anchor people to the past and to their heritage lead to feelings of isolation, alienation, and rootlessness, ultimately resulting in anxiety and acculturation stress. This psychological strain, a mental response to having multiple cultural identities, is ultimately the result of the pressure of assimilating into mainstream culture (Berry & Annis, 1974). This issue of homogenization of cultural experiences and values is only exacerbated by the transition from traditional forms of cultural transmission to the contemporary ones of the digital age, affecting the formation and preservation of cultural identities among African American communities as a whole and challenging the psychological wellbeing of the people within these groups (Alsaleh, 2024). 

The Impact of Digital technology 

Technology is widely regarded as improving communication and widening access to information. This holds true regarding culture, as values and traditions have the ability of being disseminated faster due to media and technological applications. Communities can more readily access and share cultural knowledge, and groups can take advantage of digital platforms by sharing stories and traditions with others, increasing the interconnectedness of different cultures while also preaching to a global audience and challenging the binds of traditional authority (Alsaleh, 2024). The result is a fusion of traditional and modern elements of African culture that both challenges and underscores its core values (Okolo, 2024). 

Although it is clear that digitization has its benefits, it also poses threats to preserving heritage and cultural values, as society’s dependence on electronic communication has an extreme negative effect on a person’s ability for expression and overall value for community connectedness (Steele, 2016).Unequal access to technology and limited understanding of its use within African American households and communities remain significant concerns (Clark, 2017). To fully benefit from digital tools, especially in a cultural sense, individuals must first develop a comprehensive understanding of how to use them effectively. 

Conclusion and Solutions 

The written and oral traditions of African American communities, rooted in pre-slavery times, have long served as vital tools for preserving and transmitting cultural values. Though these traditions have evolved, they have consistently upheld a unifying purpose–to safeguard the collective spirit of the race. However, their recent decline has contributed to the erosion of cultural heritage and communal identity, weakening the social cohesion and historical continuity that have been carefully cultivated over generations. Due to the severity of the situation, various solutions that address this modern and growing issue have been presented. Okolo (2024) suggests encouraging the use of digital tools to preserve oral histories and folktales through the creation and accessibility of online archives. Encouraging community members to share their stories through the media would not only create a sense of community and shared cultural identity, but it would also enable the transmission of this cultural identity to younger generations. Additionally, the utilization of social media to promote events, such as intergenerational projects where people can interview elders, would actively bridge gaps between generations and ensure that cultural knowledge is transmitted. Events such as these, as well as using social media to share and spread information regarding these gatherings, allows for dialogue and conversation between African American communities. Community events, such as festivals and workshops, could be organized in order to bring light to African American communities and provide opportunities for connections between individuals and communities overall. 

Finally, promoting media literacy and teaching people how to understand how African Americans are represented in the media, as well as how to reject stereotypes, is extremely important. However, in order to get to this point, communities must first learn how to utilize technology; a reexamination of media utilization and literacy is necessary in order to completely understand how African American families and communities embrace technology (Clark, 2017). Differences in technology and internet preferences among African American populations should be researched in order to properly take action to bridge the divide between African American communities and actively preserve written and oral traditions that are fundamental to cultural identity.

06/03/2025