Researching Motifs and Tale Types in Slovenian Folktales Through Advanced Digital Methodologies

Fairy tales play an important role in reflecting societal values. Existing theories in this research field offer insights, but they fall short of fully explaining why different societies adopt distinct narrative structures, modify motifs, impart unique traits to characters, and alter narrative contexts. This gap leaves room to explore the sociocultural dynamics that contribute to the popularity and significance of specific Folk tales within Slovenia.

My research focuses on Folk tales in Slovenia, employing digital humanities tools for the analysis according to the motives of comparison and their cultural identity, which was adapted through different versions. Despite advancements in digitizing archives, there remain several challenges and opportunities within the broader context of folklore archiving and digital humanities. The implementation and understanding of machine learning require specific technical knowledge, and there is also a risk that the focus on quantitative analysis may overlook qualitative aspects that are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of Folk tales. The need for standardization is another aspect where computational folkloristics may lose depth. With computer analysis, we can quickly simplify complex forms of narrative.

The primary goal of my research involves three phases: first, the collection and digitization of fairy tales accompanied by systematic documentation; second, the annotation of collected data to identify patterns, themes, and motifs; and third, detailed analysis using advanced computational tools. This interdisciplinary approach aids in a deeper understanding of the cultural identity as presented through different motives in Folk tales.

In my research, I also address the issues of how computer analysis may produce results that are difficult to interpret without sufficient context. Nuances of cultural and contextual meanings that are embedded in Folk tales may be overlooked. The subtlety of language, symbolism, and tradition may never be fully captured by algorithms. By integrating qualitative assessments to maintain a deeper and more research-oriented understanding of fairy tales, this approach not only expands and tailors them to the fast-paced digital development of computational folkloristics but also enriches the broader discourse on cultural identity.

In examining the dispersion of Folktales in different areas in Slovenia and historical periods, my study also integrates an AI-based methodology to improve both the efficiency and clarity of analyses. This method combines diachronic and synchronic approaches, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of how specific cultural identity evolves through Folktales. Focused on detailed textual analysis, I research elements such as character attributes, plot functions, and traditional motifs, alongside the narrative circumstances that shape these stories. My study also carefully accounts for textual variations—omissions, additions, and modifications—that occur as these tales are retold and adapted.

Key words: Folktales, Digital Humanities, Cultural Identity, Narrative Structures