Jutustav

Jutustav is an Estonian adjective meaning narrative or storytelling. It is used to describe texts, styles, or voices that present events in a sequential, plot-driven way, as opposed to descriptive or expository forms. The term derives from the verb jutustada “to narrate” and the noun jutustus “a tale” or “narration.”

In literary criticism and education, jutustav describes a mode that foregrounds action, sequence, and characters through a narrator or focalization. A “jutustav tekst” emphasizes plot progression and events. The opposite categories are often described as descriptive (kirjeldav) or expository (selgitus, analüütiline), which focus more on description or explanation rather than storytelling.

Narrative techniques associated with jutustav include perspective (such as first-person narration), time structure, and episodic organization. In Estonian grammar, adjectives like jutustav agree with the noun they modify: for example, “jutustav lugu” (a narrative story) or “jutustav proosa” (narrative prose).

Common contexts for the term include school instruction on writing, where students learn to craft coherent narratives; literary theory discussions about genre and narrative voice; and media analyses of films, radio dramas, or other storytelling media described as having a strong jutustav character. The term is descriptive and neutral, signaling a focus on storytelling elements rather than on descriptive detail or analytical exposition.