Language level 6: Discourse

Question 1

what are Labov’s narrative categories

for one-speaker narratives

Answer 1

• Absract
• Orientation
• Complicating action
• Resolution
• Coda

Question 2

explain Lavbov’s narrative categories

for one-speaker narratives

Answer 2

• Abstract: indication that speaker wants listener’s attention and is signalling start of narrative
• Orientation: the ‘who’ ‘what’ ‘where’ ‘why’ – sets the scene and gives background info that speaker feels is important
• Complicating Action: main body of narrative
• Resolution: ending of narrative – ties loose ends and provides closure
• Coda: signal that the narrative has ended

Question 3

what is an internal evaluation

Answer 3

• where speaker stands back from the action, but makes comments that are within the same time frame as the narrative

Question 4

what is an external evaluation

Answer 4

• where speaker may add opinions and attitudes at the time of telling that aren’t apart of the sequence of events – speaker ‘stands back’ from the main action

Question 5

what is a story preface

[Goodwin’s story structure]

Answer 5

• signal that a speaker wants to tell a story and an invitation for others to show interest

Question 6

what is a story solicit

[Goodwin’s story structure]

Answer 6

• response from someone else that they want to listen to the story

Question 7

what is the preliminary to the story

[Goodwin’s story structure]

Answer 7

• background info. to the story in the form of the ‘who,’ ‘where,’ ‘what’ and ‘why’

Question 8

what is the story action

[Goodwin’s story structure]

Answer 8

• the main body of the narrative

Question 9

what is the story climax

[Goodwin’s story structure]

Answer 9

• the conclusion of the narrative

Question 10

what is the story appreciation

[Goodwin’s story structure]

Answer 10

• signals from audience that communicative their response to the narrative
• may occur at several and different points during story - can include questions, agreements, laughter or other emotions