Labov's narrative structure
Sociolinguist William Labov's framework for analysing narrative structure: abstract (summary), orientation (context), complicating action (events), evaluation (significance), resolution (outcome), and coda (return to present).
Real World
When someone recounts a car accident on social media — 'So this happened today (abstract)… I was driving on the M6 at 7am (orientation)… a lorry swerved (complicating action)… I was terrified (evaluation)… no one was hurt (resolution)… anyway, drive safely (coda)' — they are following Labov's structure instinctively.
Exam Focus
Apply all six Labov elements in order; examiners reward structured analysis, so label each stage explicitly when analysing spoken narratives.
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