The Narrative of Discourse: Rebuilding Contexts and Recognizing Influences
Updated: Feb 1, 2022
Introduction: What Do We Mean When We Use the Term
"The Narrative of Discourse"?
The narrative of discourse is a term in linguistics that identifies the way that narratives are structured. The narrative structure of discourse is both foregrounded and framed by social conventions, which can be seen in how people’s stories are told. In writing, there are three different types of narratives used: linear, episodic, and thematic. In linear narratives, the story always progresses in a straightforward manner from beginning to end without any gaps or jumps. Episodic narratives have gaps or jumps in the story because it follows a series of events where characters interact with each other and things happen to them. Thematic narratives only talk about one event but they do so by giving examples and details about this event that have been previously established within the story.
Narrative is a powerful tool in language. It can be used to convey something in a way that engages the listener. There are many aspects to narratives that provide for this engagement, each with their own set of rules and effects. Whether the effect is on someone reading or listening to a story, if the narrative is built within a written work, or if the narrative has been entrained within a culture of a society by the past acceptance of what had already been normalized and considered truth.
It is arguable that the human race has been telling stories from the very beginning. A story has been a way for humans to process, understand, and cope with life's challenges. Metaphors themselves can help a person associate their own experiences within the narrative of the metaphor. Narratives of discourse are an important part of how we live our lives. They help us to comprehend our place in the world and gives us purpose. However, there are some major drawbacks to this type of "storytelling" that can be seen in society today.
What are the Benefits of Narratives of Discourse in Society?
The use of narrative discourse has been a powerful tool for shaping and influencing society. The construction of identity and ideology in narrative discourse is a phenomenon that has been studied extensively by sociologists, anthropologists, linguists, and psychologists. Narrative discourse can be defined as texts or verbal accounts of personal experiences used to make sense of the world. It is the use of language to construct ideas about selfhood, otherness, and social relationships. Narrative discourse can be found in all cultures and historical periods because it is a fundamental way that humans create meaning in their lives and understand the world around them.
Building a Theory for Gendered Narratives in Everyday Life
Narratives are an important part of our lives. They shape the way we think and behave. The stories that we hear and read, as well as the images we see, often give us an idea of what is normal and right. One of the discourses on narratives in society right now can be seen in gender stereotyping and gendered narratives. Gendered narratives in everyday life can be traced back to childhood where children are often taught what is appropriate for their gender through different forms of media such as books, toys, tv shows, movies etc. These messages can influence how children behave and act towards those who do not conform to their ideas of masculinity or femininity. Children learn about these norms by following what they read or watch on TV or Youtube videos which will sometimes use specific language or imagery that reinforces a gender norm or stereotype which they later role model or feel disconnected from.
What are the Drawbacks of Narrative Discourse in Society?
Narratives are the way in which we construct our comprehension of society. Thus they are widely used in ways many may not even notice. They can be used to either oppress or liberate society. Narratives are often tied to "discourse," which is the way in which we talk about and organize narrative for a given purpose. There is an argument that narrative discourse in society is dangerous, however there are many reasons why it can be seen as an important and necessary tool for assisting people to find connectedness within themselves to others.
Narratives can be seen as an effective way to persuade and mobilize people for a cause. Social media propaganda campaigns often rely on narratives to create false and distorted truths about their enemies. However, they can also be used as a tool for oppression and control, which often becomes the dominant narrative in society.
Narratives of discourse are an important part of how society operates. This type of discourse helps people understand the social world, but it also has significant drawbacks. The most apparent drawback of narrative discourse is that it can be exclusionary to those who are not in the dominant social groups. Narratives of discourse can be used to control and subjugate populations by plan or even by the reactionary effect of a culture failing to maintain the abilities of discernment and transcendence from former generations that knew no better. The abilities of discernment are crucial in comprehending narratives of discourse and the true effect they are having on you and others.
Conclusion: A Dialogue on Knowledge and the Narratives that Influence Our Lives
How do we Know That We Know Anything at All?
When we think of knowledge, we might think of what is in our brains. But are our brains the ultimate knowledge-holder? There are different perspectives on what is knowledge. One perspective of the concept is that it has to be “true” or “correct”. Another perspective on this issue is that knowledge is something that someone believes to be true, but this belief can vary from person to person depending on their background and education. Some people say that there cannot be certainty in knowledge because the world constantly evolves and changes. It follows, then, that if everything in the world changes, then there can never be any certainty in what we know. Can that be true? Does the truth change or does our comprehensions and perspectives of truth change? We could say that as ones experiences deepen, and their beliefs shift, with clearer experience of their belief their knowledge becomes more multidimensional.
Strangely enough, narratives are also representations of reality - in this case stories that can be used in order to describe one's life or experiences. It is important not only because they give meaning to our lives but also because they affect our perception and understanding of reality.
In future writings on the thoughts and constructs of "The Narratives of Discourse" we will go into the questions of consciousness, being from within the brain or from within the spirit and soul, will be discussed. Where does ones consciousness come from? Does one have a connection to what we could call the reservoir of where consciousness originates?
I invite and encourage you to share these thoughts with others and to develop your abilities of discernment of the narratives that surround your life. How they are helping or hindering your progress within your experience of life. Words do matter. Listen to the words you speak. Listen to the words of others. Question are they spinning webs around you? Or are you being freed with them?
May love and light guide your path ~
Keith J. Chouinard
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