Narrative Techniques Research Articles

SHAPING THE NARRATIVE: CONTEMPORARY INDIAN AUTHORS' IMPACT ON GENDER AND SEXUALITY REPRESENTATION IN YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE

Through the rich tapestry of contemporary Indian young adult fiction, where visionary writers emerge as architects of societal change and use words as tools for reflection and reform, take off on a transformative journey. Through a variety of perspectives, the narrative revolution is revealed and every writer adds their own distinctive mark to the dynamic canvas of Indian literature. One such author creates a complex narrative that defies stereotypes and breaks down conventional barriers in an intricate examination of love and identity. Another creatively defies graphic novel storytelling conventions, producing a visual and narrative feast that defies accepted writing practices. This literary panorama provides detailed explorations of individual aspirations intricately interwoven with cultural limitations, with a focus on the expectations placed on women by society. Characters contribute to the ongoing conversation about the shifting roles of women in contemporary India by balancing the weight of social norms with individual agency. Furthermore, a noteworthy contribution to the portrayal of LGBT identity serves as a beacon of understanding and inclusivity. The story invites readers to delve into the complex emotional aspects of queer experiences as it gently examines the complexities of identity crises. This work creates a more inclusive literary landscape by breaking new ground and igniting conversations about diversity and representation. Young adult fiction is experiencing a metamorphosis that goes beyond conventional narrative techniques, crafting literary environments that function as windows reflecting the myriad of human experiences. These cultural architects have a lasting influence that reaches beyond library walls and provides readers with a profound opportunity to reflect on their own journeys. These works become more than just stories because they transform societys values about acceptance, love and identity. They also show the boundless possibilities that lie between a books pages. The present research paper examines delves into the intricacies of gender and sexuality while highlighting innovative works that challenge preconceptions, break down barriers and change readers viewpoints. KEYWORDS: Contemporary, adult fiction, transformative, acceptance, gender and identity

CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT PRACTICES AND STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGLISH GRAMMAR IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA

This study investigated the impact of assessment methods used in internal evaluation on students’ achievement in English grammar in secondary schools in Kenya. This study was anchored on Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory. A pragmatic paradigm was adopted using exploratory sequential mixed methods. A quasi-experimental, pre-test, and post-test design was adopted. The target population comprised of all the form two students and teachers of English in Teso North Sub-County. Stratified and simple random sampling was used to select 10 schools. Simple random sampling was used to select 509 students. Purposive and simple random were used to select 10 teachers. Data was generated using an interview schedule, observation schedule, questionnaire, and English Grammar Achievement Tests. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed using the narrative analysis technique and presented through narration and direct quotes. Findings revealed that grammar was predominantly assessed through gap-filling as well as question and answer method. Assessing grammar through cloze test and composition writing had a more positive influence (M = 16.02; SD = 3.51) than where it was not used (M = 14.12; SD = 3.33). Pearson Correlation revealed that assessment had a statistically significant relationship of r = .643, n = 509, p = .006 with students’ achievement in English grammar. The study concluded that cloze tests and composition writing are effective methods of assessing English grammar. It was recommended that the Ministry of Education should in-service teachers on the importance of assessing English grammar through these methods. This study recommends that teachers should assess English grammar using cloze tests and composition writing.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

“Exodus” in Diaspora and the Homeland: Narrative Technique and a Model for Salvation in Ezra-Nehemiah and Esther

Scholarship has been divided on whether there is any reference to the exodus in the books of Ezra-Nehemiah and Esther. In this article, it is argued that although both books do refer to the exodus, they do not necessarily refer to the book of Exodus. Rather than approaching this problem from the perspective of intertextuality, the article studies the use of exodus motifs as a narratological phenomenon. It compares the way that two texts, one from the diaspora and one from Yehud, use exodus motifs to support their own agendas. In each text, the exodus acts as a model for a type of salvation.

TiKanLu Festival: Its Socio-cultural and Economic Impact to Tagudinians of Northern Philippines

The preservation of culture and heritage is a noble task especially when this activity is threatened by human negligence and oblivion. This study assessed and documented the socio-cultural and economic impact of TiKanLu Festival on Tagudinians in the northern part of the Philippines. This festival was named after the native delicacies known as Tinubong, Kankanen, and Lubi-lubi (TiKanLu). The researchers used case study and they used interview and focus group discussion as data-gathering instruments. Narrative data gathering technique was also utilized. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Twelve representatives from all walks of life were chosen through snowball purposeful sampling. The accounts of the informants were recorded and field note was done. Answers were transcribed and sorted and the researchers performed open coding, categorizing, and making of themes and patterns. The activities of the festival highlighted the distinct culture and heritage of Tagudinians especially the unveiling of the giant TiKanLu. The TiKanLu festival has great socio-cultural impact on the people’s value system like smooth-enabling relationships, camaraderie, collaboration, friendship, gratitude, hospitality, people empowerment, and good governance. Local entrepreneurs benefited as they made decent living and were able to send their children and relatives to college. A TiKanLu Festival coffee table book is timely and relevant to preserve the rich culture and tradition of Tagudinians and the LGU Tagudin officials are encouraged to institutionalize its support to TiKanLu products through the establishment of a business (pasalubong) center and the enhancement of the native delicacies' life span and packaging through researches.

Magical Realism and Social Critique in Latin American Literature: A Comparative Analysis of García Márquez and Isabel Allende

This comparative analysis explores the themes, narrative techniques, and cultural contexts of Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende, two luminaries of Latin American literature. Both authors employ magical realism to delve into social and political issues, albeit in distinct ways. García Márquez’s intricate narratives critique power structures and societal decay, while Allende’s intimate stories focus on personal relationships and resilience. Despite their differences, both writers share a commitment to using literature as a tool for social critique and cultural exploration.

EXPLORING FEMALE IDENTITY IN KATE CHOPIN’S NOVELS

This study delves into the profound exploration of female identity in the works of Kate Chopin, focusing on key novels such as "The Awakening" and "The Story of an Hour." Through a meticulous analysis of Chopin's characters, themes, and narrative techniques, this research sheds light on the complexities of female identity, autonomy, and self-discovery in a patriarchal society.By closely examining the characters of Edna Pontellier and Louise Mallard, this study reveals the depth of complexity in Chopin's portrayal of women who defy societal norms and grapple with the tensions between personal desires and societal expectations. Themes of autonomy, agency, and the quest for self-realization emerge as central motifs in Chopin's exploration of female identity, inviting readers to contemplate the challenges faced by women seeking to define themselves outside of traditional roles.Drawing upon literary criticism, historical context, and feminist theory, this research offers a comprehensive analysis of how Kate Chopin's novels challenge and redefine traditional notions of female identity. Through a nuanced examination of female characters' struggles, aspirations, and triumphs, this study highlights the enduringrelevance of Chopin's works in inspiring conversations about gender, autonomy, and the complexities of female identity in literature and society.

Biographical Work of Parents of Children with Non-Normative Sexual Orientation and/or Gender Identity

This paper aims to reconstruct the biographical work (Corbin and Strauss) undertaken by parents of non-normative people. The initiating event of biographical work is the disclosure of a non-normative sexual orientation and/or gender identity by the child. For many parents, this is an event that causes a breakdown of previous schemes of action, a gradual loss of control, and suffering.
 The empirical data consist of autobiographical narratives of parents of people with non-normative sexual orientation and/or gender identity. The study involved mothers and fathers residing throughout Poland, who were selected according to the snowball procedure. The data were collected through the narrative interview technique and compiled according to the analytical procedure proposed by Fritz Schütze, which is part of the interpretative research paradigm.
 In the course of four parallel biographical processes (contextualizing, coming to terms, reconstituting identity, and recasting biography), the new experience is integrated into the biography, its consequences are understood and accepted, a coherent identity is reconstituted and a new course for one’s life are charted. The analysis of the narrators’ biographical work has made it possible to identify three categories that organize the course of the parents’ lives and identities—stigma, normalization, and activism.

A Csigolya fiú esete Pató Sárival

The oeuvre of Sándor Petőfi is one of the most well-researched one, still it has parts which are – paradoxically – lesser-known in the literary consciousness. The prose of Petőfi can be seen as a “blind spot” which has not been integrated into the curriculum of public education and it was hardly ever discussed in the professional discourse as this corpus was considered to have a marginal status. Petőfi, who oŸen declared his versatility in the 1840s, translated prose and experimented with different narrative techniques in his novel and short stories. Petőfi’s short stories are strongly connected to the financial aspects of publishing, however, they should not be viewed simply as “fillers” since these texts can be analysed from a literary perspective, considering the variation of genre conventions, narrative styles and tones in these experimental short stories which interact with the other texts of the oeuvre, as well. This paper reviews Petőfi’s latest published short story regarding the reality effects of the text.

Study on William Faulkner's Long Sentence Style Based on “The Sound and the Fury”

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of William Faulkner's narrative technique in "The Sound and the Fury," with a specific focus on his use of long sentences and multi-perspective storytelling. Faulkner's innovative approach to sentence structure is examined as a key element in shaping the novel's thematic depth and emotional resonance. Each section of the novel, presented through different characters' viewpoints, is characterized by unique sentence constructions that reflect individual mental states and emotional experiences. The paper explores how these long, complex sentences enhance the reader's understanding of themes such as time, memory, and identity. Additionally, the interaction between Faulkner's elongated sentences and the multi-perspective narrative is analyzed as a crucial device in conveying the fragmented and chaotic nature of the characters' lives and their broader social context. The paper concludes that Faulkner's work, through its stylistic complexity and depth, continues to resonate as a seminal exploration of the human condition.

Let science be told: A review of ideas for storytelling in science communication

There is a rich literature on storytelling in public science communication, mostly advancing the premise that it helps in telling science to the public. We present here a summary of results from a review of ideas on the subject guided by a set of questions about goals, techniques, and research. We found no consensus on the notion of what is a story, yet some useful approximations emerged. There are various goals driving the use of storytelling to communicate science, from engaging to creating emotions to favouring understanding. The structure of the stories appeared as a crucial element, and three types of structures are dominant. As a field in evolution, there are not many empirical studies, but the few we found appear promising. We conclude that there is ample opportunity for discussion and research regarding emotions, persuasion, understanding and innovation in the use of narrative concepts and techniques to better let the science be told.

Reflections on the Interconnectedness of Narrative Strategies and Identity Crisis in Anita Nair’s Ladies Coupe

Women experience subjugation, suppression, discrimination, and marginalization within patriarchal societies. Anita Nair's literary works explore the varied roles that women assume in their everyday existence and their challenges in the process of self-exploration. Anita Nair's first novel, Ladies Coupe, explores the protagonist's psychology and examines the suppression of women's identity in Indian society through her storytelling technique. To address the unfortunate situation of women, Nair briefly focuses on the condition of contemporary women in a culture dominated by men and their suffering due to the institution of marriage. The objective of this article is to examine the narrative tactics and strategies utilized in the novel Ladies Coupe. Nair's narration serves as a critique of gender norms and the subjugation of women inside a patriarchal culture. She focused her plot narration strategies on depicting women as independent, strong, and outspoken which reflects her changed role from the traditional norm. This paper tries to explore the different narrative techniques subtly interwoven into the texture and structure of her novel Ladies Coupe.

Liberation of Women in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun

This study focuses on the liberation of Afro-American women through women empowerment. It examines the basic rights of women, gender issues and domestic violence . it also examines the oppression towards women. Narrative technique is used to describe the status of women in a patriarchal society. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel “Purple Hibiscus” describes the struggle for liberation from oppression. The title of the novel “Purple Hibiscus” may refer to a particular type of flower but it develops the hope for liberation in the major character Kambili. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel “Half Of a Yellow Sun” describes the struggle for liberation from sexuality and to liberate Biafran from the Nigerian soldiers.

A Minor Subject: Habit and Subjectivity in Modernist Literature and Philosophy


 
 
 In this essay, I intend to investigate some of the aspects of the resurgence of habit at the dawn of the twentieth century by touching upon a series of paradigmatic texts of the modernist canon and by investigating their debts to and consonances with the contemporary philosophies of habit. My thesis is that during those decades – seen as a mere chapter in the longer history of modernity – the philosophical and literary theme of habit served not only as a way to understand and represent the ordinary dimension of life, but also as a means to develop an idea of human subjectivity that could mediate between the centrifugal and the centripetal tendencies that permeated the competing ideologies of the time. The crisis of subjectivity that characterized modernism and which has often been simplistically represented as a disintegration of the subject into irredeemably broken fragments, should rather be seen as the development of a dialectical idea of a “minor subject”, that is, an open, dynamic, multilayered subjectivity still endowed by a certain malleable consistency. Both modernist literature and its philosophical counterparts found in the “minor subject” (here in the sense of “subject matter”) of habit, the opportunity to investigate and represent the porosity between activity and passivity, volition and determinism, individual identity and social structures, that characterize this idea of subjectivity.
 I focus on three different representative – though not exhaustive – facets of the issue. In the first section, relying on Virginia Woolf's work, I highlight how some of the narrative techniques developed by Modernist writers can be seen as an attempt to give a plastic representation to the blurred boundaries of subjectivity as captured in the everyday existence of their characters. I then connect these innovations to the theory of habit of Samuel Butler, whom Woolf identified as one of the harbingers of modernity. In the second section I focus on Marcel Proust to discuss how modernist writers proved to be able to combine two opposed views of habit: on the one hand, the view of habit as purely mechanical and leading to inauthentic life; on the other, the idea of habit as essential to the human being's potential for self-perfecting and creativity. The third section is dedicated to addiction, seen as a form of habit in which the subject is radically torn between opposite forces. Following insights from Sigmund Freud's Beyond the Pleasure Principle, I interpret Italo Svevo's Zeno's Conscience as a meditation on how such a torn subjectivity manifests the essential incompleteness of the human subject and life's insuppressible nostalgia for the inorganic.
 Virginia Woolf’s blurred boundaries, Marcel Proust’s ambiguous authenticity, and Italo Svevo’s split selfhood are three interconnected facets of the modernists’ interest in the “minor subject” of habit. Investigating the interaction between the philosophical and the literary discourses on habit at the dawn of the twentieth century can contribute to a more nuanced reconstruction of a pivotal moment in the history of thought but also to the contemporary philosophical debate. Almost exactly one century later, the renewed interest in the theme of habit mirrors a situation in part similar to what characterized the ideological landscape of the time, as now too it is concerned with the attempt to reimagine a “minor subject” that mediates between the postmodern pulverization of identity and the temptation of reaffirming anachronistic forms of strong subjectivities.
 
 

Poti do literarne interpretacije: skica ob Francoskem testamentu Andreïa Makina

In the article an interpretive tool/framework is presented that attempts to aid in-depth reading. To illustrate this tool/framework, the article takes this year’s baccalaureate text, the novel Le testament français by Andreï Makine. Referring to this novel the article outlines the individual levels of interpretation and specifically addresses the analytical part of understanding texts, which, with slow, thorough reading, placement in a broader context and the determining of the theme through the structure of excerpts from the text, represents a framework for literary interpretation. Attention is drawn to the most important characteristics of the external construction of Le testament français (genre syncretism, the significance of the title and the introductory citations), the difficulty of determining the theme (of an excerpt) of the text (isotopy, topic, key words, principal and secondary themes) and certain evident formal characteristics (smaller units, the relationship between these units, lexicon, parts of speech, the use of verb tenses, tropes, means of verbalisation, narrative technique, the category of space and time, the narrator).

Spatial Narration and Psychotherapy in Suspense Novels Taking "Shutter Island" as an Example

In the 21st century, suspense novels have evolved and authors increasingly explore narrative theory and techniques. This study analyzes the employment of narrative techniques in Dennis Lehane's "Shutter Island" by applying Lefebvre's space theory. This theory links space with social production, infused with Marxist concepts, imparting social attributes to space, transcending its conventional geometric definition. The research delves into three dimensions: spatial practice, spatial representation, and the space of representation to expound on how the spatial narration in the text mirrors the psychological transformations of the characters. Characters' memories within the spatial context influence their actions, generating a sequence of spatial clusters. The emergence of new spaces and imagery impacts character cognition. The three enigmatic symbols in the text encode the protagonist's memories, unravelled through dreams, constructing a novel textual space. It is within this multifaceted interplay that the treatment of 'mental illness' is addressed. This analysis demonstrates how narrative techniques intertwined with spatial theory serve as a compelling medium to portray intricate psychological facets in Lehane's ""Shutter Island"."

Role Orientation, Development and Transformation of News Editors in the New Media Era

With the rapid development of modern economy and society and the arrival of the information age, the new media have profoundly influenced the daily lives of people. News editors, as disseminators and advocates of news information, play an important role in the dissemination of news information. In the new media era, the news dissemination of new media relies on the degree of strengthening but also puts forward new development requirements for the development of news editors. This paper is based on the role of news editing and development transformation to analyse and solve the key problems in the current stage of news dissemination. In the new media era for the news editor, the new requirements listed in the new media era for the news editor include role positioning analysis and development transformation measures. The changing role of news editors in the new media era and their need to adapt to digital platforms and audience participation, utilise audience data, and develop multimedia narrative techniques Subvert the traditional communication mode of paper media, gradually adapt to and turn to the development of multimedia news reporting channels, and transform the skills and strategies of journalists to adapt to the progress of this era.

Narrative Realism in Ukrainian TV News Layout: Editorial Strategies and Viewer Engagement (2004-2020)

The main aim of this study was to investigate the strategic employment of narrative methods and presentational techniques in Ukrainian television news from 2004 to 2020. This study sought to evaluate their impact on the construction of narratives and public discourse. A mixed-methods approach was employed to analyze 531 news releases from three Ukrainian television channels: “1+1”, “Ukraina”, and “Inter”. The application of statistical methods for data processing was employed for the quantitative analysis, while the qualitative analysis comprised a rhetorical investigation of narratives and framing techniques. This approach enabled a comprehensive examination of how news narratives are structured, presented, and perceived, offering insights into the underlying mechanisms of news layouts and editorial strategies. The study’s findings demonstrated a significant reliance on conflict framing, economic consequence framing, and character-driven narratives to increase viewer engagement and comprehension. Hierarchical structuring and modular design were identified as key presentation methods that reflect adaptability to real-time broadcasting requirements and audience preferences. This investigation concludes that narrative strategies and presentation techniques play a crucial role in shaping public perception, thereby affecting the construction of media narratives and societal views. The study’s findings are significant for media practitioners and policymakers, as they emphasize the importance of narrative realism and ethical considerations in news production. The research results also offer a foundation for future studies on the effects of digital transformation on news narrative structures.

The effect of story-telling in coaching and mentoring engagement

This paper examines the impact of storytelling on coaching and mentoring engagements, exploring how narrative techniques can enhance the effectiveness of these developmental relationships. This study investigates the role of storytelling in fostering a deeper connection between coach or mentor and mentee, facilitating personal and professional growth, and improving communication and understanding. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this paper combines qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys to gather insights from both coaches and mentees across various industries. The findings suggest that storytelling significantly enriches the coaching and mentoring experience by providing relatable examples, inspiring motivation, and offering practical lessons. This paper discusses the implications of these findings for practitioners and organizations, recommending strategies for incorporating storytelling into coaching and mentoring programs to maximize their impact.

Navigating Discontent: Postmodern Interpretations of Steinbeck's The Winter of Our Discontent

Navigating Discontent: Postmodern Interpretations of Steinbeck's 'The Winter of Our Discontent'“ presents a comprehensive examination of John Steinbeck's classic novel through the lens of postmodern theory. This paper delves into the multifaceted layers of discontent depicted in the novel and explores how postmodern perspectives shed new light on its themes, characters, and narrative structure. This study examines the fluidity of meaning and the disintegration of identity within the text, drawing on many postmodern frameworks, including deconstruction, poststructuralism, and metafiction. It investigates how Steinbeck's portrayal of disillusionment, moral decay, and economic struggles resonates with postmodern critiques of societal constructs and power dynamics. Furthermore, this paper examines the role of language, narrative techniques, and intertextuality in shaping the reader's experience of discontent in the novel. By engaging with postmodern concepts of simulation, hyperreality, and the absence of stable truths, it explores the ways in which Steinbeck challenges traditional modes of storytelling and invites readers to navigate through a complex landscape of uncertainty and ambiguity. Through this postmodern interpretation, “Navigating Discontent” seeks to illuminate the enduring relevance of Steinbeck's work in contemporary discourse and invites readers to reconsider the novel's themes in the context of postmodern thought.

Tailoring Science News Reporting for Audience Engagement: Effective Writing Strategies

Science news reporting plays a critical role in fostering public understanding of complex scientific concepts. But it often struggles to engage diverse audiences. This paper explores effective writing strategies that enhance audience engagement in science journalism. It identifies key elements that make science reporting more accessible and appealing. Writing strategies such as simplifying jargon, using narrative techniques, incorporating human interest stories, and connecting scientific developments to real-world applications are highlighted. Additionally, the use of visuals, analogies, and interactive digital elements is discussed for their role in enhancing comprehension and retaining reader interest. By offering insights into successful writing approaches, this paper aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to make science news more inclusive and relevant to a broader audience, particularly in an era of information overload and scientific scepticism.