The Function of Narrative: Toward a Narrative Psychology of Meaning

Authors

  • Brian Schiff

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.

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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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Section

Articles