Evaluation of structure and composition of early childhood narrative - Essay Example

3 "Chinese children, generally speaking, include more narrative components, evaluative information, and temporal markers in their narratives over time. However, the growth patterns and rates of change for each child on each narrative measure vary (Chang,Chein Ju 2004,page 83-104)".All of these three criteria (narrative structure, evaluation, and temporality) are kept in mind when analysing the stories I have collected from children in the appropriate age range.

This essay will employ the Labovian six part narrative model and Hoey's concept of problem-solution pattern to assess the texts. Appendix (1) shows examples of the concepts that will be employed and tested against the children's narrative. Not all of these elements are present in every story, but a majority of the Labovian model fits the narratives.Appendix (1): Labov's and Hoey's ApproachesThese two concepts will be used to test the data below.Fig. 1: Labov's six part model (Labov. William, Waletzky.J 1967)ABSTRACT- What happened in the beginningORIENTATION- Who, where and whenCOMPLICATING ACTION- What happenedEVALUATION- The high pointRESOLUTION- What finally happenedCODA- Final summary which brings listener and speaker back to the present timeFig.

2: Hoey's concept of predictable patterns Situation (optional) Problem Response ORNegative Evaluation Positive Evaluation and Or Result Or Result HypothesisMy hypothesis is that as a child is introduced to. This study builds on many other works as the Labovian model is now frequently used to assess children's narratives, (Kernan, 1977; Eaton, Collis and Lewis, 1999).

The idea of linguistic and narrative development in children is also a popular issue. One study that specifically charts the evolution of child narrative with age is Telling stories of experiences: Narrative development of young Chinese children a study by Chien-JuChang in which young Chinese children were visited in their homes at age three years and six months and then at three month intervals for the next nine months. This essay will employ the Labovian six part narrative model and Hoey's concept of problem-solution pattern to assess the texts.

Appendix (1) shows examples of the concepts that will be employed and tested against the children's narrative. Not all of these elements are present in every story, but a majority of the Labovian model fits the narratives. My hypothesis is that as a child is introduced to more narrative texts, and comes to identify narrative components, that he or she will