Bridging Tradition and Modernity: Enhancing the Appeal of Minangkabau Kaba Narratives for Gen-Z Students

Minangkabau kaba narratives, an indigenous kind of oral storytelling originating from West Sumatra, Indonesia, effectively convey profound cultural principles and historical insights. Nevertheless, the pertinence of these traditions to younger cohorts, namely Generation Z, is being widely scrutinized in the contemporary day. This research examines the structural and semiotic components of Minangkabau kaba narratives and assesses their significance and attractiveness to Gen-Z students at Universitas Negeri Padang. The research employs a mixed-methods approach that involves analyzing the linguistic aspects of 10 popular kaba narratives and conducting qualitative interviews with 50 Gen-Z students. The study aims to assess the extent of young audiences’ involvement with kaba narratives and determine the elements that influence their attractiveness. The results demonstrate the presence of the conventional narrative structure and abundant symbolism in kaba narratives, which contain the fundamental values of the Minangkabau culture. Students’ appreciation of Kaba’s cultural value is determined by how it is presented and its relevance to contemporary life. The research suggests methods to augment the allure of kaba narratives, such as digital adaptation, inclusion of modern topics, and integration into educational courses. These proposals aim to guarantee the ongoing recognition and safeguarding of Minangkabau cultural heritage in digital technology.