Dialogue is a written or spoken conversational exchange between two or more people. It is also a literary and theatrical form that depicts such an exchange. The term "dialogue" comes from the Greek word "dialogos," which means conversation. Dialogue can be used as a philosophical or didactic device, and it is chiefly associated in the West with the Socratic dialogue as developed by Plato.
In addition to its literary and philosophical uses, dialogue can also refer to a communicative process in which people with different perspectives seek understanding. It is a focused and intentional conversation, a space of civility and equality in which those who differ may listen and speak together. In dialogue, participants strive to achieve a degree of mutual understanding.
Some key features of dialogue include:
- It is a communicative process in which people with different perspectives seek understanding.
- It involves a conversation between two or more people.
- It can be used as a literary and theatrical form.
- It is a space of civility and equality in which those who differ may listen and speak together.
Examples of dialogue include conversations between characters in a novel, drama, or movie. Dialogue can also refer to discussions between representatives of parties to a conflict that are aimed at resolution.
