How Cultural Diversity Shapes Modern Storytellers

It’s almost impossible to write stories that are 100% free from cultural influences. Culture seeps into modern texts in all kinds of ways, shaping how stories are told, leaving traces of the author’s background all around. But culture doesn’t just shape the text. It also defines the primary audience, who the story will connect with almost immediately. 

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Think of the timeless classics that have reached readers worldwide throughout history and are still read everywhere. What made them so popular and long lasting? It’s the universal themes they explore, themes that would make any kind of reader, independently from their origin, easily connect to. I’m sure we all recognize a few examples right now: Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Homer’s The Odyssey, Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quijote… These stories have reached readers globally because they explored themes like love, fate, and the search for identity—ideas that resonate with people from all walks of life. While modern writers still explore the same universal themes, increasing exposure to different storytellers has made culture a more defining element in today’s narratives. Diversity has always been there, but what’s different about it now?

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With the technological revolution, the landscape of modern literature has expanded. Writers are now able to publish their work with unprecedented ease through digital means. This has led to an explosion of voices, giving rise to greater opportunity for storytellers from all over the world, some who would have otherwise remained anonymous or writing only for themselves. As a result, modern storytelling has become more varied, reflecting the full spectrum of human experiences and cultures.

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With so many writers and texts now available, modern storytellers can target specific audiences and reach unlimited ones. By relying on cultural common ground, writers can create works that resonate deeply with their first intended readers. But that’s not it. Global audiences have the incredible possibility of reaching texts they might not otherwise have been exposed to, gaining appreciation and understanding of other cultures by reading their stories.

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As I am writing this text, I can’t help but think of my favorite modern storyteller from my country, Argentina. His name is Hernán Casciari. His works embody universal themes (such as the search for identity, belonging, and life-changing experiences) while simultaneously being deeply rooted in Argentine culture.

His stories strike a chord with readers. The references to Argentine life and traditions create a sense of deep connection, making his work particularly impactful for those familiar with his culture. Yet, the beauty of his storytelling lies in its ability to transcend borders. Readers from diverse backgrounds can immerse themselves in his narrative and gain insight into Argentine culture. 

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Let me use his work to exemplify what aspects of his writing are clearly shaped by culture.

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The Argentine Identity and Everyday Life

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Casciari’s stories are written around themes that are closely tied to the Argentine way of life. Or, if the main theme of the story is a universal one, there's always a cultural idea referred to in the story, be it as context or as a smaller theme within the main one . 

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Fútbol (BKA Soccer in the US) is the top 1 glue for Argentine people. Casciari refers to it in many stories. For example, all the stories in which his father is mentioned reflect that their bond was rooted in their love for Racing, a fútbol team. Hernán even admits in one of his stories that he didn’t love Racing itself as much as the moments and excuses Racing provided him to share talks and time with his dad.

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In Argentina, family and friendship are deeply valued, they are the center of social life. Bonds are strong, with a deep sense of loyalty and closeness that exceeds blood relations. Gatherings of family and friends are central to everyday experiences. This cultural aspect is super present and clearly depicted in his stories.

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Another theme that’s present in many stories is the social-political landscape in the country. Argentina’s social-political landscape is marked by instability, economic challenges, and intense political polarization. In Casciari’s work, this landscape is often reflected through sharp narratives that mix personal stories with reference to the country’s complexities, typical struggles, and the resilience of its people. 

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The Immigrant Experience

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Casciari emigrated to Spain in 2002, a year after one of the biggest economic and political crises in Argentina which led thousands of people to emigrate. His stories generally refer to this aspect of his life. He reflects on emigration, on the feeling of being caught between two cultures and the nostalgia and longing for his home country and its culture.

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Even though he is now back in his home country after a close-to-death experience that turned his life upside down, he still writes about his experience as an Argentine in Spain. Messi’s Suitcase is a story he wrote in 2024 which became very popular worldwide and that refers to the feelings as an expatriate as well as to the intense feelings Argentines have for Messi, the number 1 fútbol player, who was a foreigner in Spain for many years.

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Humor and Satire

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Casciari uses a humorous and satirical tone that is sharp and irreverent. His humor frequently refers to everyday absurdities, making fun of societal rule, political issues and cultural habits. This tone is closely tied to Argentine culture, where humor has turned into a way of coping with hardships, political turmoil and social contradictions. People have found in humor a way to laugh at themselves while expressing their ideas on the world around them. And this is exactly what Hernán does in his writing.

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Language and dialect 

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The use of language and dialect in Casciari’s stories is a key cultural aspect that shapes his narratives. His distinctive style incorporates colloquial Argentine Spanish, regional slang (lunfardo) and local expressions, including foul language. His use of language and dialect brings authenticity to his stories and Argentine humor, irreverence and warmth place his texts close to the Argentine reader. They sound natural and close to people, not pretentious or unreachable, but very reader-friendly and informal, capturing the essence of Argentine identity.

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Personal Narratives and Cultural Memory

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Cultural memory plays a significant role in his stories. It shapes his writing by using shared history, traditions and experiences of Argentina. With nostalgic references to family gatherings, historical events and iconic cultural symbols like mate, asados and fútbol, his stories  lead readers to feel the emotional weight of these references while fostering a sense of identity and belonging. 

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Casciari does a great job at keeping the essence of Argentina alive in his work while he invites the readers to reflect. Balancing humor with moments of deep introspection, he uses cultural memory to both question and celebrate Argentine society.

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Casciari’s stories are the reading I choose to do in my everyday life. For me, his stories are more than just entertaining tales. They are an emotional rollercoaster that makes me laugh out loud, cry myself out, reflect and dive deep into my thoughts. He connects with me in a way that feels personal and I am sure it’s the wire of common ground that rockets his stories directly to my heart.  

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His work shows how culture shapes storytelling, whether it’s in Argentina or anywhere else in the world. His example is just the experience of one writer, in a very specific and faraway (for most, though luckily not for me) spot of the world who has found a way to connect with people and make meaning through his artful storytelling. Who knows.. Maybe next time you’re reading one of his stories, you’ll find yourself wishing for a mate, an asado and a good laugh, just like we do back at home. After all, it’s the Argentine way.

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