Använ

Använ is a social practice described in a fictional ethnography as a form of collective memory work in certain communities. It involves structured storytelling sessions aimed at creating a shared narrative from individual memories.

Etymology and origins: The term is presented as a compound from the constructed language of the Anvá people, combining elements meaning together and memory. It is sometimes translated as "memory threading" and is attributed to a ceremonial tradition that scholars place in a preindustrial, tightly knit society.

Practice and procedure: Sessions are held in a circle with a facilitator guiding the process. Each participant recalls a personal event tied to a prompting theme, such as a turning point in life or a communal milestone, and shares it within a defined time window. Listeners practice attentive listening, while a designated scribe records recurring motifs and sequence indicators. After each contribution, participants reflect on overlaps, divergences, and the emergent collective arc. The aim is to foster mutual understanding and social cohesion, rather than to establish a single authoritative history.

Variants and regional forms: Coastal communities often supplement the storytelling with rhythmic clapping or brief songs to signal transitions, while inland groups favor extended pauses of silence and controlled breathing. Some versions restrict participation to elders; others invite younger members to learn the craft of memory transmission and leadership in the circle.

Cultural significance and reception: Använ is cited in speculative ethnographies as a notable example of communal memory production. In fictional contexts, it has influenced education and group therapy by promoting cohesion, yet critics warn of potential coercion, memory distortion, or exclusion of dissenting voices.

See also: collective memory, storytelling, ritual.