Definition of Narration Change
In the context of direct and indirect speech, “narration change” refers to the transformation of a statement or sentence from its original form (direct speech) into a different form (indirect or reported speech). This change in narration is typically used in writing or speech to report or convey what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Direct Speech
In direct speech, the speaker’s exact words are enclosed in quotation marks, and the statement is presented as it was spoken. For example:
Direct Speech: She said, “I am going to the store.”
Indirect Speech (Reported Speech)
In indirect speech, the speaker reports or paraphrases what someone else said without quoting their exact words. The sentence structure often changes, and there may be a shift in verb tenses and pronouns. For example:
Indirect Speech: She said that she was going to the store.
In this example, the change from “I am going to the store” (direct speech) to “She said that she was going to the store” (indirect speech) involves a narration change. The key elements of narration change in indirect speech include:
The use of reporting verbs like “said,” “told,” “asked,” etc., to introduce the reported speech.
A shift in pronouns to reflect the perspective of the reporting speaker.
Changes in verb tenses to align with the reporting time frame. In most cases, the past tense is used to report past speech.
The removal of quotation marks.
Narration change in direct and indirect speech is a common linguistic device used in writing and conversation to report what someone else has said in a more integrated or cohesive manner. It is particularly useful for summarizing or paraphrasing statements made by others while maintaining the overall context and meaning of the original speech.
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Narration Rules
Narration rules, also known as reported speech rules, govern how we convey someone else’s words or statements in our own speech or writing. These rules determine how we transform sentences from direct speech (when we quote someone’s exact words) to indirect speech (when we paraphrase or report what someone said without quoting their exact words). Here are the key narration rules for direct and indirect speech:
1. Direct Speech
Direct speech involves quoting a person’s exact words within quotation marks. The key features of direct speech are as follows:
Quotation Marks: Enclose the quoted words in double quotation marks, like this: He said, “I am going to the store.”
Punctuation: Use a comma, question mark, or exclamation mark inside the closing quotation mark to indicate the end of the quoted sentence, like this: She asked, “What time is it?”
Pronoun and Tense Consistency: Maintain the pronoun and tense of the original speaker’s words. For example:
Direct speech: She said, “I am happy.”
Indirect speech: She said that she was happy.
Indirect Speech (Reported Speech):
Indirect speech involves reporting what someone said without quoting their exact words. Here are the narration rules for indirect speech:
Change in Pronouns: Change the pronouns in the reported speech to match the perspective of the reporting speaker. For example:
Direct speech: He said, “I am coming.”
Indirect speech: He said that he was coming.
2. Change in Verb Tenses
Present simple in direct speech becomes past simple in indirect speech: “I live here” becomes “She said that she lived there.”
Present continuous in direct speech becomes past continuous in indirect speech: “I am watching TV” becomes “She said that she was watching TV.”
Present perfect in direct speech becomes past perfect in indirect speech: “I have finished my work” becomes “She said that she had finished her work.”
3. Change in Time Expressions
Words indicating present time often change to words indicating past time: “now” becomes “then,” “today” becomes “that day,” “tomorrow” becomes “the next day,” etc.
No Quotation Marks: In indirect speech, do not use quotation marks.
Punctuation: Use standard punctuation rules for the reporting sentence (commas, periods, etc.) and do not include punctuation within the reported speech.
Backshifting of Modal Verbs: When reporting statements or questions, backshift modal verbs like “can” to their past forms (e.g., “could”) in indirect speech.
Reporting Verbs: Choose an appropriate reporting verb (e.g., “said,” “asked,” “told”) to introduce the reported speech.
Additions and Omissions: Sometimes, it is necessary to add or omit words to make the reported speech fit grammatically or contextually within the reporting sentence.
It’s important to note that the specific rules for indirect speech may vary depending on the context, formality, and regional variations of the English language. However, these general rules provide a foundation for transforming direct speech into indirect speech accurately.
Examples of Narration Rules
Let’s go through some examples of transforming sentences from direct speech to indirect speech using the narration rules:
Direct Speech: She said, “I will come to the party.”
Indirect Speech: She said that she would come to the party.
Explanation
In the direct speech, “I will come to the party” is quoted directly.
In the indirect speech, the pronoun “I” is changed to “she” to match the reporting speaker’s perspective.
The tense of the verb “will” is changed to “would” to reflect the past of the original statement.
Direct Speech: Tom asked, “Have you finished your homework?”
Indirect Speech: Tom asked if I had finished my homework.
Explanation
In the direct speech, “Have you finished your homework?” is quoted directly.
In the indirect speech, the reporting verb “asked” is used to introduce the reported speech.
The pronoun “you” remains unchanged because it is not necessary to change it.
The tense of the verb “have” is changed to “had” to reflect the past.
Direct Speech: They said, “We are going to the beach tomorrow.”
Indirect Speech: They said that they were going to the beach the next day.
Explanation
In the direct speech, “We are going to the beach tomorrow” is quoted directly.
In the indirect speech, the pronoun “we” is changed to “they” to match the reporting speaker’s perspective.
The word “tomorrow” is changed to “the next day” to indicate a shift in time expression.
Direct Speech: “I can swim,” she declared.
Indirect Speech: She declared that she could swim.
Explanation
In direct speech, the reported speech is introduced without a reporting verb.
In the indirect speech, the reporting verb “declared” is added to introduce the reported speech.
The modal verb “can” is backshifted to “could” to reflect the past.
Direct Speech: “Will you help me?” he asked.
Indirect Speech: He asked if I would help him.
Explanation
In the direct speech, “Will you help me?” is quoted directly.
In the indirect speech, the reporting verb “asked” is used to introduce the reported speech.
The pronoun “you” remains unchanged because it is not necessary to change it.
The modal verb “will” is changed to “would” to reflect the past.
These examples illustrate how sentences in direct speech are transformed into indirect speech by applying the narration rules, including changes in pronouns, verb tenses, reporting verbs, and time expressions.