Narrative Argumentation: Regarding Narrative as Argument and the Resulting Need for Developing Narrative Literacy Skills

Author:

• Kevin R. Meyer (Ohio University)

Abstract:

Some communication studies scholars have extolled the virtues of narrative ways of knowing, while denying that narrative is a form of argumentation (e.g., Bochner, 1994; Bruner, 1996, 2002a; Gergen & Gergen, 2006; Pellegrino, 1977). In response, the present article first builds the case that narrative is a form of argumentation. Next, suggestions are made for the development of narrative literacy skills to expose potentially fallacious reasoning and encourage critical consumption of narrative argumentation.