NARRATIVE JOURNALISM Meaning and
Definition
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"Narrative journalism is a genre of journalism that employs storytelling techniques and storytelling elements to convey factual information. It combines the principles of journalism with the literary devices commonly found in fiction, such as character development, scene-setting, dialogue, and narrative structure. The objective is to present true stories in a compelling and engaging manner, evoking emotional responses from the reader while remaining grounded in accuracy and authenticity.
Unlike traditional news reporting, which focuses primarily on delivering concise, objective facts, narrative journalism places a greater emphasis on understanding and conveying the complexity of a story. It often involves in-depth research, interviews, and extensive observation, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of events, issues, or people through vivid and descriptive storytelling. Narrative journalists often invest significant time and effort in gathering information, uncovering diverse perspectives and constructing a narrative that captures the essence of the subject.
Narrative journalism can cover a wide range of topics, such as human interest stories, investigative reporting, historical events, or cultural phenomena. By employing storytelling techniques, it seeks to captivate readers and immerse them in the story, fostering empathy and understanding. This form of journalism aims to break away from traditional modes of reporting, allowing readers to not only gain knowledge but also to become emotionally engaged and connected to the issues or individuals being discussed."
Etymology of NARRATIVE JOURNALISM
The etymology of the term "narrative journalism" is formed by combining the words "narrative" and "journalism".
The word "narrative" derives from the Latin word "narrativus", which means "telling a story". It has its root in the Latin verb "narrare", meaning "to tell" or "to recount". The term "narrative" refers to the representation of events or experiences in a story-like format, usually involving a sequence of connected events, characters, and a plot.
The word "journalism" comes from the French word "journalisme" and the Latin word "diurnalis", meaning "daily". It originally referred to the practice of producing news or information on a daily basis. Journalism encompasses the gathering, verification, and reporting of news and information to the public through various media outlets.
