Images and narrative elements in non-verbal languages

Although narration can be fully expressed only by verbal language many non verbal languages, especially music, may be considered as “proto narrative” in so far as they suggest a linear sequence from a starting point to an end (Nattiez, 2013; Agawu, 2009). Within the “proto narrative” model two types of hierarchical organizations can be described: schemata of order and schemata of order relation (Imberty, 1985). These schemata may be related either to a weak or to a strong hierarchy in musical elements (as in atonal and tonal music). In my talk I will consider how time perspective wide extension (from past memories to future expectancies) in proto narrative languages has to do with strong hierarchy structures. On the other hand weak structures are more suitable to describe present or dreamy images that are dealing with the here and now situation (the “present moment”,Stern, 2004). However the symbolic images that come from the present moment and their bonds may be connected with a construction of a different narration mainly based on bodily arousal and emotional responses. This narration is particularly important in the realm of art or music therapies.