A Review of Research on the Practical Application of Narrative Evaluation: Concerning the Influential Factors of the Analysis

Abstract

This paper introduces the approaches researchers have taken when analyzing the practical application of narrative evaluation (Labov & Waletzky, 1967), and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of their analyses. In addition, second language learners' practical application of narrative evaluation is unclear. As such, this was also analysed. Narrative evaluation indicates the attitude of the narrator towards the narrative (Labov, 1972), therefore it is an essential part of the overall narrative. However, when producing narrative discourse, second language learners find it difficult to use it appropriately to meet the cultural expectations of native speakers (Kang, 2003). Moreover, previous research on the practical application of narrative evaluation is limited. Three influential factors in the analysis of narrative evaluation provided by previous research are covered in this review: the types of narratives, the classification of narrative evaluation, and the perspectives of the analysis. Recently, the types of narratives have become more diverse according to different purposes of the analysis (Minami, 2004). The classification of narrative evaluation and the perspectives of the analysis have placed greater emphasis on content (Shiro, 2003). In the context of second language studies, it is necessary to classify narrative evaluation based on its practical form in narrative and develop perspective relative to the function of narrative evaluation.