Dialogism in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Dialogism

The etymology of “dialogism” stems from the Greek word “dialogikos,” which combines “dialogos” (meaning conversation or dialogue) and the suffix “-ikos” denoting related to or pertaining to. In an academic context, “dialogism” refers to the theoretical framework that explores the interconnectedness of voices, perspectives, and viewpoints within a text or discourse, emphasizing the dynamic and dialogic nature of communication and meaning construction.

It is often associated with the work of Russian literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin, who developed the concept to describe the multiplicity of voices and perspectives in literature and language.

Meanings of Dialogism

Aspect	Meanings
Literary Theory	Dialogism in literary theory refers to the idea that texts are characterized by the presence of multiple voices and perspectives, often in conflict or dialogue with each other. It emphasizes the dynamic and interactive nature of language and literature.
Interpersonal Communication	In the context of interpersonal communication, dialogism refers to the exchange of ideas and perspectives between individuals or groups, emphasizing the importance of open and responsive dialogue for effective communication.
Philosophy and Ethics	Dialogism in philosophy and ethics underscores the value of considering multiple viewpoints and engaging in ethical conversations with others. It promotes a dialogic approach to ethical decision-making.
Language and Semiotics	In linguistics and semiotics, dialogism explores how meaning is constructed through dialogue and interaction. It highlights the role of context and the interplay of signifiers in communication.
Bakhtinian Theory	Dialogism is closely associated with the Bakhtinian literary theory developed by Mikhail Bakhtin. It emphasizes the polyphonic nature of language and literature, where multiple voices and perspectives coexist and interact in a text, giving rise to rich and complex meaning.
Educational Pedagogy	In education, dialogism is used to describe teaching and learning approaches that prioritize dialogue and discussion. It encourages students to engage in active conversation and critical thinking.
Rhetoric and Argumentation	Dialogism in rhetoric and argumentation emphasizes the use of dialogue and counterarguments in persuasive discourse. It recognizes the importance of considering opposing viewpoints in crafting persuasive arguments.

Definition of Dialogism as a Theoretical Term

Dialogism, as a theoretical term, refers to the multifaceted concept that emphasizes the dynamic and interactive nature of communication and discourse. It posits that meaning and understanding are constructed through the interplay of diverse voices, perspectives, and viewpoints within a text or conversation.

Dialogism underscores the idea that language and discourse are inherently polyphonic, characterized by the presence of multiple, often conflicting, voices that contribute to the richness and complexity of meaning.

Dialogism: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorists	Notable Works	Arguments
Mikhail Bakhtin	Problems of Dostoevsky’s Poetics, The Dialogic Imagination, Speech Genres and Other Late Essays	Bakhtin is a seminal figure in dialogism, emphasizing the polyphonic nature of language and literature. He argues that texts are inherently dialogic, containing multiple voices and perspectives that interact, clash, and contribute to the meaning.
Bakhtin Circle	Various essays and writings collectively associated with the Bakhtin Circle	The scholars within the Bakhtin Circle expanded on Bakhtin’s ideas, particularly regarding the dialogic nature of language, the carnivalesque, and the significance of heteroglossia in texts.
Julia Kristeva	Revolution in Poetic Language, Desire in Language	Kristeva explores the semiotic and symbolic dimensions of language and the role of intertextuality in dialogism. She highlights the significance of the semiotic chora and the dynamics of the speaking subject in language.
Roland Barthes	S/Z, The Death of the Author	Barthes emphasizes the idea of intertextuality and the reader’s role in constructing meaning through their engagement with a text. His arguments align with dialogism in highlighting the collaborative nature of meaning-making.
Homi K. Bhabha	The Location of Culture	Bhabha’s work focuses on the hybridity of culture and identity, exploring how cultural dynamics are marked by the clash and negotiation of different cultural voices, especially in post-colonial contexts.
Bakhtinian Literary Criticism	Various critical analyses and interpretations drawing on Bakhtinian dialogism	Scholars applying Bakhtinian theory in literary criticism argue that dialogism enriches the understanding of texts by revealing the intricate interplay of voices, perspectives, and ideologies within them.

Dialogism and Literary Theories

Dialogism is relevant to a variety of literary theories and approaches, as it highlights the dynamic and interactive nature of language and literature. Here are some literary theories in which dialogism plays a significant role:

1. Reader-Response Theory: Dialogism is relevant to reader-response theory, as it acknowledges that readers actively engage in dialogue with a text. The meaning of a text is constructed through the interaction between the reader and the text, making dialogism crucial in understanding how readers interpret and respond to literary works.
2. Poststructuralism: In poststructuralist literary theory, dialogism is pertinent because it emphasizes the decentered and open-ended nature of texts. Dialogism aligns with poststructuralism’s exploration of the instability of meaning, the interplay of signifiers, and the multiplicity of interpretations within texts.
3. Intertextuality: Dialogism is closely connected to the concept of intertextuality, which examines how texts refer to and are influenced by other texts. It is particularly relevant in understanding how literary works engage in a dialogue with and reference other literary and cultural works.
4. Feminist Literary Theory: Dialogism is essential in feminist literary theory, as it allows for the exploration of the multiple voices and perspectives within literature, particularly in terms of how female characters and authors engage in dialogue with societal norms and gender roles.
5. Postcolonial Theory: In postcolonial literature, dialogism is significant for examining the ways in which texts respond to colonial and postcolonial contexts. It highlights the interaction of diverse voices, cultures, and perspectives, especially in the context of cultural hybridity and identity negotiation.
6. New Historicism: Dialogism is relevant in new historicism, as it emphasizes the dialogic relationship between literary texts and their historical and cultural contexts. This approach examines how texts engage in a dialogue with the historical and cultural forces of their time.
7. Cultural Studies: Dialogism plays a key role in cultural studies, which focus on the dialogue between texts and culture. It explores how literature reflects, critiques, and shapes cultural dynamics, norms, and values.
8. Postmodernism: Dialogism aligns with postmodern literary theory, which often highlights the fragmentation and multiplicity of voices within texts. It underscores the deconstruction of grand narratives and the emphasis on the diversity of perspectives.

In essence, dialogism is a versatile and cross-cutting concept that enriches the understanding of literature by emphasizing the dynamic and interactive nature of language and storytelling. It can be applied in various literary theories to uncover the complexities of meaning-making and interpretation in literature.

Dialogism in Literary Criticism

Work	Dialogism
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (2013)	In The Goldfinch, dialogism is evident through the protagonist’s internal dialogue, where he grapples with moral dilemmas and conflicting voices within himself. The novel also engages in a dialogue with Dutch Golden Age painting and the art world, with the painting The Goldfinch serving as a symbolic and dialogic element.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016)	In The Underground Railroad, Whitehead’s novel is a profound exploration of dialogism in historical and social contexts. It engages in a dialogue with American history and the legacy of slavery, using a literal underground railroad as a symbol of escape and resistance. The novel also presents multiple perspectives through its diverse cast of characters.
There There by Tommy Orange (2018)	In There There, dialogism is a rich example within the Native American experience. The novel presents a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique voice and perspective, contributing to a multifaceted portrayal of urban Native life. It engages in a dialogue with both Native cultural traditions and the challenges faced by urban Native communities.
Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018)	In Normal People, dialogism is central to the exploration of the complex relationship between the two main characters, Connell and Marianne. Their dialogues, both spoken and unspoken, reveal the intricacies of their connection and personal growth. The novel highlights how intimate relationships can be dialogic in nature, with evolving dynamics and power shifts.

Suggested Readings

1. Bakhtin, Mikhail. The Dialogic Imagination: Four Essays. University of Texas Press, 1981.
2. Barthes, Roland. S/Z: An Essay. Hill and Wang, 1974.
3. Herman, David. The Emergence of Mind: Representations of Consciousness in Narrative Discourse in English. University of Nebraska Press, 2011.
4. Holquist, Michael. Dialogism: Bakhtin and his World. Routledge, 2002.
5. Kristeva, Julia. Desire in Language: A Semiotic Approach to Literature and Art. Columbia University Press, 1980.
6. Morson, Gary Saul. The Words of Others: From Quotations to Culture. Yale University Press, 2011.
7. Pecorari, Diane. Academic Writing and Plagiarism: A Linguistic Analysis. Continuum, 2008.
8. White, Hayden. Tropics of Discourse: Essays in Cultural Criticism. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1978.