<![CDATA[Background: Oral traditions represent valuable cultural resources that can be revitalized as speaking pedagogical tools. The Marturi tradition, a storytelling practice within Mandailing Natal society, offers significant potential as a culturally responsive strategy for developing speaking competence. Aims: This study examines the forms and implementation processes of the Marturi tradition, identifies its pedagogical values, and evaluates its potential as a culturally responsive strategy for enhancing speaking skills. Methods: Employing a qualitative descriptive design, data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with cultural informants knowledgeable about the tradition, direct observation of Marturi practice, and documentation in Simaninggir Village, Siabu District, Mandailing Natal Regency, Indonesia. Data were analyzed through manual thematic coding involving data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, with trustworthiness established through source triangulation and member checking. Results: Marturi encompasses diverse narrative genres including folktales, legends, myths, genealogical narratives, and moral advice (poda), performed in informal communal settings. The tradition cultivates essential speaking competencies including fluency, expressive vocal technique, nonverbal communication, narrative organization, and audience engagement. These competencies translate into concrete pedagogical strategies: a storytelling framework for sequencing speaking tasks, expressive-delivery and dramatic-reading practice, interactive question-and-answer storytelling, nonverbal-communication activities, and retelling tasks that build oral fluency and confidence. Implications: The findings suggest practical applications for integrating Marturi into speaking instruction as a revitalization strategy, extending prior research on culturally responsive material development and local language barriers in EFL contexts.]]>
