The preservation of Manabí legends as oral heritage: educational strategies in the university setting

Abstract

This paper explores how the popular legends of Manabí, pillars of the region's oral heritage, remain alive or fade away in the face of the cultural identity of today’s university students. The research stems from a genuine concern: the notable distancing of young people from their narrative roots and the risk of oral tradition being lost to generational oblivion. In this regard, the central objective was to examine the strategies universities are implementing to safeguard these stories and to understand the actual role they play in the formation of students' identity. Methodologically, a qualitative approach with action-research nuances was chosen, allowing for an in-depth look into the experiences of 60 students and 4 faculty members from the Humanities and Education departments. The study was not limited to a theoretical review; it utilized focus groups, interviews, and direct observation of classroom dynamics, processing the information through a triangulation method that prioritized the collected narratives.

The results reveal an evident gap. Globalization and digital ubiquity have displaced Manabí’s legends, leaving oral tradition with a marginal space in academic curricula. Despite this scenario, there is a latent interest; both students and teachers value this legacy and are willing to rescue it. The study concludes by proposing a shift toward active methodologies, suggesting that through the strategic use of digital tools, oral storytelling projects, and collaborative work, it is possible for the university to not only teach theory but to become the engine that revitalizes the cultural heritage of Manabí.