The narrative matrix and wordless narrations: a research note

Abstract

Preverbal and non-speaking children are able to share an experience, recount an event, and tell a story in collaboration with an intimate adult who provides the words. These children's narrative expressions take the form of gestures, sounds not recognizable as standard language, the combination of sounds and gestures, and sequenced actions. These narrative forms are understood by the parent or intimate adult because child and adult dwell within a shared narrative matrix, defined by personal, social, temporal, and spatial aspects of life together. In this article, narrative inquiry is presented as a research methodology that may be of interest to the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) community. In addition, examples are presented.