Dialogue

Etymology of Dialogue

The term dialogue comes from the Greek word dialogos, which is a combination of dia, meaning “through” and logos meaning “word” or “speech.” In ancient Greece, dialogos referred to a conversation between two or more people aimed at mutual understanding and the exchange of ideas.

Meanings of Dialogue

1. Conversational Interaction
   • Refers to a conversation between two or more people or parties
   • Involves a discussion, debate, or negotiation
   • Facilitates communication and exchange of ideas
2. Literary Device
   • Used in literature to represent a conversation between characters
   • Conveys character development, plot progression, and thematic exploration
   • Written in quotation marks or indicated through formatting
3. Spoken Words in Film and Theater
   • Pertains to the spoken words of characters in films and theatrical productions
   • Conveys the story, emotions, and relationships between characters
   • Delivered through acting and performance
4. Conflict Resolution
   • In the context of conflict resolution, dialogue is a communication process
   • Aims to resolve differences and conflicts between two or more parties
   • Focuses on promoting mutual understanding, empathy, and finding common ground
5. Communication and Understanding
   • Serves as a vital tool for communication and understanding
   • Enables the exchange of information, ideas, and perspectives
   • Promotes active listening, empathy, and effective expression

Dialogue in Grammar

1. “Dialogue” is a noun.
2. Its plural form is “dialogues.”
3. When used as a subject or object in a sentence, it takes a singular verb.

Example: “The dialogue between the two leaders was productive.”

4. When referring to multiple conversations or discussions, it can take a plural verb.

Example: “The dialogues taking place at the conference covered a range of topics.”

Definition of Dialogue as a Literary Device

Dialogue, as a literary device, refers to the representation of a conversation between characters in a written work. It is a tool authors use to bring characters to life and move forward the plot of their stories. By incorporating it in their writing, authors reveal character traits, convey emotions, and provide insights into relationships and conflicts.

Types of Dialogue

There are various types, each with its own purpose and characteristics. Some common types include:

Type	Definition/Explanation	Example
Socratic dialogue	It is a method of inquiry and discussion that involves asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and uncover underlying assumptions or beliefs.	In Plato’s “Dialogues,” Socrates engages in philosophical conversations with various interlocutors, challenging their beliefs and probing for deeper understanding.
Collaborative dialogue	It is a form of dialogue that emphasizes mutual understanding and cooperation to achieve a common goal, such as problem-solving or decision-making.	For example, a group of colleagues engages in a brainstorming session to come up with innovative solutions to a business challenge.
Interfaith dialogue	It is a form of dialogue that brings together representatives of different religious traditions to promote understanding and respect.	It means leaders from various faiths gather to discuss shared values and work towards interreligious harmony and cooperation.
Literary dialogue	It is used in literature, such as novels, plays, and films, to reveal characters, advance the plot, and convey themes.	The dialogue between Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare’s play, expressing their love and determination despite their families’ feud shows the example of a literary dialogue.
Political dialogue	It occurs between political leaders or representatives of different groups or interests to address issues and negotiate agreements.	Diplomatic talks between countries’ leaders to find diplomatic solutions and prevent conflicts is a type of political dialogue.
Mediation dialogue	It is a form of dialogue used in conflict resolution to facilitate communication and negotiation between parties in dispute.	A trained mediator facilitating a conversation between two parties in a legal dispute to help them reach a mutually acceptable settlement shows mediation dialogue.
Community Dialogue	This form is used to promote communication and collaboration among community members to address common issues or concerns.	A town hall meeting where residents discuss local challenges and collaborate on finding solutions for the betterment of the community is an example of a community dialogue.

Literary Examples of Dialogue

1. From “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare:

In Act II, Scene 2, Romeo speaks to Juliet from beneath her balcony in what is now known as the famous “balcony scene.” The dialogue between the two characters is full of passionate declarations of love and devotion, as Romeo attempts to woo Juliet. The dialogue in this scene is important to the play as a whole, as it establishes the intense connection between the two young lovers and sets the stage for the tragic events to come.

Example of Dialogue: “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.” Romeo

2. From To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:

In Chapter 9, Scout asks her father, Atticus Finch, about the meaning of the word “n****r” which she heard from a classmate at school. Atticus uses this conversation to explain the importance of understanding others and treating them with respect. This dialogue is significant to the novel’s themes of racism and prejudice.

Example of Dialogue: “N****r-lover is just one of those terms that don’t mean anything—like snot-nose. It’s hard to explain—ignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebody’s favoring Negroes over and above themselves.” – Atticus Finch

3. From The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:

In Chapter 3, Nick attends one of Gatsby’s extravagant parties where he meets and converses with several of the guests, including the mysterious and enigmatic Gatsby himself. Here it helps to establish the atmosphere and tone of the novel, as well as the elusive nature of Gatsby’s character.

Example of Dialogue: “I’m Gatsby,” he said suddenly. “What!” I exclaimed. “Oh, I beg your pardon.” – Nick and Gatsby

4. From Hamlet by William Shakespeare:

In Act III, Scene 1, Hamlet speaks his famous soliloquy, reflecting on the nature of life and death and the pain of existence. This dialogue reveals Hamlet’s innermost thoughts and feelings, as well as his struggles with depression and suicide.

Example of Dialogue: “To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them?” – Hamlet

5. From The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: Throughout the novel, Holden Caulfield engages in a series of conversations and monologues with various characters as he navigates his way through adolescence and tries to make sense of the world around him. These dialogues reveal Holden’s confusion and disillusionment, as well as his search for meaning and connection.

Example of Dialogue: “I’m sick of just liking people. I wish to God I could meet somebody I could respect… I’d love it if somebody’d shoot me in the head tomorrow or something. “ – Holden Caulfield

Suggested Readings

1. Bakhtin, Mikhail. The Dialogic Imagination: Four Essays. Edited by Michael Holquist, translated by Caryl Emerson and Michael Holquist, University of Texas Press, 1981.
2. Barthes, Roland. Image-Music-Text. Translated by Stephen Heath, Hill and Wang, 1977.
3. Genette, Gérard. Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method. Translated by Jane E. Lewin, Cornell University Press, 1980.
4. Kristeva, Julia. The Kristeva Reader. Edited by Toril Moi, Columbia University Press, 1986.
5. Sternberg, Meir. The Poetics of Biblical Narrative: Ideological Literature and the Drama of Reading. Indiana University Press, 1985.
6. Todorov, Tzvetan. Mikhail Bakhtin: The Dialogical Principle. Translated by Wlad Godzich, University of Minnesota Press, 1984.
7. Wimsatt, W. K., and Monroe C. Beardsley. The Verbal Icon: Studies in the Meaning of Poetry. University of Kentucky Press, 1954.