NARRATIVE STRUCTURE AND DISCURSIVE STRATEGIES IN THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP FOOTBALL COMMENTARY

Abstract

Football commentary transforms the visual dynamics of a match into an engaging auditory experience, making language an essential tool for conveying the excitement and complexity of the sport. Despite extensive research on sports commentary, there is a notable gap in the comprehensive analysis of narrative structures and discursive strategies within football commentaries. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the narrative structures and discursive strategies employed in selected football commentaries from the 2022 World Cup, using Labov's (1972) narrative model as the primary theoretical framework. The specific objectives are to identify and discuss the prevalent narrative structures in these commentaries and to explore the discursive strategies that enhance the storytelling of match events. The study utilizes Labov's narrative model to analyse how football commentators organize their narratives, incorporating elements such as orientation, complicating action, evaluation, resolution, and coda. The methodology involves a detailed analysis of selected football commentaries, focusing on the use of vivid descriptions, technical terminologies, and discursive strategies such as pronominalization and rhetorical questions. The findings reveal that football commentaries in the 2022 World Cup employ a non-linear narrative structure, shifting between narrative elements to maintain suspense and engagement. Commentators utilize vivid descriptions to immerse the audience in the game's sensory experiences and deploy technical terminology to enhance clarity and understanding. Color commentary provides valuable background information and insightful analysis, complementing the play-by-play narration. Additionally, pronominalization and rhetorical questions are used to foster inclusivity and stimulate audience engagement. In conclusion, football commentaries are characterized by a complex interplay of narrative structures and discursive strategies that collectively enrich the audience's experience. This study highlights the significance of these elements in crafting immersive and engaging sports narratives. It is recommended that future research further explores the application of narrative theories in various sports contexts to deepen the understanding of commentary practices.