VARIATION IN FUNCTIONS OF NARRATIVE IN MILITARY DISCOURSE

Abstract

This article identifies kinds of variation in functions of narrative in military discourse and conditions that determine their realization. It proves that the function of narrative proper is observed only in certain types of military didactic discourse, when the speaker’s goal is confined to providing accurate information (teaching how to use weapons, self-defense techniques, etc.). In other types of didactic discourse, the narrative function is supplemented with the functions of educating and affirming society’s value priorities. The types of variation are determined by discourse conditions: the social context of communication and the speaker’s illocutionary goal. In instructive speeches, the function of conveying information can be supplemented with that of affirming society’s value priorities. In informative speeches, the narrative function is often accompanied by the functions of evaluation and refutation of rumors, myths, or someone’s statements. Special occasion speeches are characterized by the rearrangement of functions: the narrative function becomes supplementary, and the functions of evaluation, worldview formation, and value priorities affirmation become the main ones. Inspirational speeches are most often built on the syncretism of narrative and persuasion. In all speech genres of military discourse, the function of a grand narrative is the formation of military personnel’s positive image.