Homo narrans
Homo narrans (‘storytelling human’) is one of a number of binomial names for the human species modelled on the commonly used term Homo sapiens (‘wise human’). The term posits the primacy of storytelling over, for example, language or reasoning, in differentiating Homo sapiens from other species of the genus Homo.
Homo narrans is a Latin term that translates to “storytelling person,” proposing that storytelling is a primary human characteristic that distinguishes us from other species, even more so than Homo sapiens (“wise man”). This concept highlights that humans are fundamentally defined by their ability to create, share, and interpret stories, which helps them make sense of the world and connect with each other.
Key aspects of Homo narrans
- Storytelling as a core human trait: The term emphasizes the fundamental role of narrative in human culture and communication, from ancient oral traditions to modern media.
- Making sense of the world: Humans use stories to frame facts and organize thoughts, helping them understand events by providing meaning and context, according to .
- Cognitive function: Thinking in a narrative mode is linked to human cognition, including imagination and the ability to mentally time travel, which allows us to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future.
- Cultural transmission: Stories have historically been the primary way to transmit collective memory and shared values across generations.
- Social connection: Sharing dreams, fears, joys, and sorrows through stories is what connects people, a central idea explored by and .
- Decision-making: Walter Fisher’s narrative paradigm suggests that humans make decisions based on the coherence and credibility of stories, making narrative a powerful tool in persuasion and communication, notes.
AI responses may include mistakes.
[2] https://www.kellyjbaker.com/homo-narrans/