Dialog

A dialog, or dialogue in British English, is a conversation between two or more participants. The term derives from the Greek dialogos, from dia- 'through' and logos 'word' or 'speech.' Dialog can be spoken in real life or written, and it is used to exchange information, express feelings, or advance a narrative.

In literature and drama, dialogue is the primary instrument for character interaction. It uses direct speech and dialogue tags, and may be accompanied by stage directions. Well-crafted dialogue reveals personality, conveys subtext, and drives plot without excessive narration.

In film and theatre, dialogue is scripted to reveal relationships, create dramatic tension, and provide information the audience needs. The rhythm, pacing, and realism of dialogue affect believability and emotional impact. Subtext and concision are common features.

In computing and user interfaces, a dialog, or dialog box, is a small window that requests input or confirms an action. Dialogs can be modal, which require a response before returning to the main window, or modeless, which allow continued use of the program. Dialog components are common across GUI toolkits.

In philosophy and linguistics, dialog denotes a method of inquiry through questioning and exchange, as in the Socratic method. In linguistics, dialog analysis studies turn-taking, adjacency pairs, and repair in everyday conversation. The term also contrasts with monologue in rhetorical analysis.