Narrative

Explanation

Narrative here means the verbal linking of represented events into an unfolding course. In the source context of tail-head linkage, attention falls on the connection between prior discourse and new continuation. An earlier action is resumed at the start of the next unit, where a further action can follow. Such bridges may support cohesion and organisation. Yet not every repetition is a bridging construction, and not every cohesive sequence is a narrative. This entry is limited to the relation between event presentation and discourse organisation.

Movement of thought

1. Identify represented events. 2. Separate recapitulation from new information. 3. Locate discourse-unit boundaries. 4. Test narrative progression against mere repetition.

Example

“She reached the courtyard. When she had reached it, she opened the gate.” This constructed example schematically illustrates recapitulation followed by new continuation.

Counter-test

“The gate is blue. Blue is a colour” repeats material without thereby narrating a course of events.

Scientific use case

Discourse analysis could compare recapitulation in narratives and other genres, recording form and local function.

Effect

The analysis shows how known material can provide a point of attachment for continuation.

Resonance

A narrative places its foot once more on familiar ground before moving on.

Distinction

Distinguish description, lexical repetition and cohesion generally. Tail-head linkage is one possible organisational pattern, not a definition of all narratives.

Sources

• Valérie Guérin and Grant Aiton (2019): Bridging constructions in typological perspective

  pp. 1–5, §§1–1.3

  documented-source-register