CULTURAL NARRATIVES IN MICRO-DRAMAS: RECONSTRUCTING AND INHERITING CULTURAL IDENTITY

Micro-dramas have become a significant type of digital narrative and cultural consumption in China's media landscape in recent years. This study investigates how Chinese micro-dramas, an emergent media form, support the creation of cultural identity in the digital era using Escape from the British Museum as an example. Through a detailed analysis of the drama’s creation, cultural symbols, narrative styles, and visual presentation, the research examines how these elements collectively foster cultural identity and heritage preservation. Key findings show that the micro-drama reflects traditional Chinese culture through tactics such as visual anthropomorphism, audiovisual communication, and the use of cultural symbolism and metaphor, thereby increasing audience connection and cultural identity. The study emphasizes the importance of micro-dramas in reconstructing or inheriting traditional culture in a globalized context and how they address the challenges posed by mainstream global influences to local cultures. The study also highlights the crucial role of cultural symbols and visual narratives in attracting audiences and promoting cross-cultural understanding, offering tips to media practitioners and policymakers on how to enhance cultural identity through creative works. This study establishes the groundwork for further investigations into the creation of cultural identities in the setting of modern media.