QissahConnect: Semai Stories in Arabic – An Innovative Digital Storytelling Tool

QissahConnect is an innovative digital storytelling platform designed to enhance Arabic language acquisition through immersive engagement with Semai indigenous folktales. This study addresses two pressing challenges: the lack of culturally relevant, motivating materials for non-native Arabic learners and the underrepresentation of Malaysia’s Semai oral heritage in educational contexts. Employing a mixed-methods approach, learners interacted with QissahConnect over four weeks through narrated audiobooks, vocabulary-targeted tasks, and reflective assessments, accessible via mobile and online formats. Findings indicate a marked increase in vocabulary retention, from 45% pre-intervention to 82% post-intervention, alongside a significant rise in learner motivation and satisfaction. Thematic analysis further revealed enriched cultural awareness, empathy development, and deeper learner connection to indigenous narratives. These results support the pedagogical potential of integrating authentic cultural content with digital tools to foster inclusive, learner-centered experiences. Beyond language gains, QissahConnect serves as a model for culturally responsive education, bridging linguistic proficiency with heritage preservation. Aligned with global education priorities (SDGs 4, 10, and 11), the platform demonstrates strong commercialization prospects through mobile apps, institutional e-learning licenses, and subscription-based audiobook packages. By offering a sustainable, scalable solution, QissahConnect advances Arabic language education while empowering marginalized communities and promoting intercultural understanding through meaningful storytelling.