Dialogical

Dialogical is an adjective meaning relating to dialogue or characterized by dialogue. Etymologically, it derives from the Latin dialogue, itself from the Greek dialogos, and it is used across disciplines to emphasize interaction, reciprocity, and openness to other perspectives in communication.

In philosophy and literary theory, dialogical usually signals the influence of Mikhail Bakhtin’s dialogism, which treats language as inherently social. In Bakhtin’s view, meaning arises in ongoing exchanges among speakers and voices, producing polyphony rather than a single, authoritative voice. The term is often used to describe text and discourse that acknowledge multiple consciousnesses and respond to others within the limits of a shared social world.

In psychology, dialogical self theory (Hubert Hermans) conceives the self as comprised of multiple internal voices that engage in internal dialogue and negotiation. Therapeutic and organizational practices that are dialogical seek to harmonize these voices and foster responsive dialogue with others, including clients or colleagues.

In education, dialogical pedagogy centers learning on dialogue, inquiry, and collaborative meaning-making. It emphasizes student voice, critical discussion, and teacher facilitation that invites diverse perspectives and challenges monologic instruction.

In linguistics and social science, dialogical analysis describes research or discourse that foregrounds interactive turn-taking, responsiveness, and the co-construction of meaning in talk. The term is often contrasted with monologic, which denotes one-way or authoritative discourse, and is related to the broader notions of dialogic and dialogism.