Scholars in the field of narrative analysis have long argued in favour of a shift from the study of “prototypical” labovian narratives to those that flout the canon. However, definitions of what may be considered worthy of study still tend to be set in the privileged research centres of the Global North. This edited collection thus seeks to unite those working beyond such borders in order to reflect on the shape of narrative and interaction in the Global South.

Though some scholars of narrative analysis may be largely interested in advancing theory, in contexts still marred by the legacy of colonialism, narrative research tends to be driven by the political agenda of contemporary social research. Narrative is thus seen as a tool which may be used to garner understanding of social injustices related to markers such as gender, race, class and sexuality, amongst others. Narrative analysis further has the potential to stretch disciplinary boundaries, enabling scholars to combine detailed microanalysis of narrative practice with methodological tools derived from a range of disciplines, facilitating collaborations with researchers from beyond their own immediate field of study.

By zooming in on the sites of engagement in which storytelling takes place, researchers may thus focus attention on any number of the interactional goals for which narrative may be exploited: from the production of identity and the contestation/reinforcement of beliefs, values, labels and political structures to the creation of coherence, cultivation of relationships/affiliations and stirring of audiences into action. By understanding narrative as a situated practice which offers snapshots of the wider discursive struggles in which social actors are inevitably engaged, narrative analysis as a microanalytical tool allows scholars to reflect on such issues and the ways in which they may be indexicalised and negotiated at the level of interaction.

With this in mind, this edited collection welcomes contributions guided by this perspective and which seek to shift the spotlight from so-called “developed” countries and the Western discourse and epistemes produced there, to the fringes of the globalised system, so that the “Master Narratives” and canonical definitions of the Global North may be reshaped.

We particularly welcome chapters from research centres in the Global South which discuss the ways in which scholars have adapted theoretical contributions from the field of narrative analysis or have formulated new concepts in order to prioritise the examination of issues faced by those whose stories have long been silenced. Scholars based at institutions in the Global North whose research addresses issues specific to the Global South are also encouraged to contribute.

Areas we see the chapters potentially (re)addressing include (but are not limited to):
1. Theoretical and methodological contributions
Traditional and potential new research fields in narrative analysis
Narrative analysis and decolonising strategies in language research
Theoretical innovations arising from contexts/issues specific to the Global South
(Auto)ethnography and power relations in narrative research
Narrative analysis and technology, including artificial intelligence

2. Empirical Contributions (Narrative Analysis)
Issues of public health and clinical settings
Threats to democracy, state violence and the erosion of human rights
Climate change and forced migration
Protest and social movements
Media and newslike narratives
Sign language and visual storytelling

Submission

26th April 2024: Submit a clear and descriptive abstract of your chapter (max. 300 words) to [email protected] with Chapter Proposal in the subject line.

17th May - 2024:  Notification of acceptance
(16th December 2024:  Submit your complete chapter)

We are looking forward to receiving your abstract!

Please also include the following with your submission: (i) full name and institution; (ii) tentative title and three to five key words; (iii) short biography (100-150 words); (iv) any relevant information regarding previous publications of the work to be submitted (either in its entirety or in significant sections) including journal articles, working papers, chapters in edited collections, etc.; (v) if the chapter is based on PhD research and if so, if the thesis is available electronically anywhere, e.g. an institutional repository; (vi) if the chapter stems from a specific research project and if so, details regarding the relevant funding bodies; (vii) if the chapter includes interviews carried out by the author or research collaborators (viii) if the chapter will include any illustrations.

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions or requests for further information.

Etyelle Araújo, Liana Biar & Naomi Orton

Linguistic Field(s): Anthropological Linguistics

Subject Language(s): English (eng)

Language Family(ies): English based