The Function of Narrative: Toward a Narrative Psychology of Meaning
Abstract
In this paper, I argue that the most salient aspect of narrative is not the arrangement of speech elements into a particular order but the kinds of actions that can be accomplished with narratives. Narrative is best thought of as a verb, “to narrate,” or the derived form, “narrating.” It is an expressive action, something that persons do. I argue that one of the primary functions of narrating is to “make present” life experience and interpretations of life in a particular time and space. Narrating brings experience and interpretations into play, into a field of action, in a specific here and now.Published
2012-08-02
How to Cite
Schiff, B. (2012). The Function of Narrative: Toward a Narrative Psychology of Meaning. Narrative Works, 2(1). Retrieved from https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/NW/article/view/19497
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Copyright for articles published in Narrative Works is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to Narrative Works. By virtue of their appearance in this open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings.
