Mótsögnum

Mótsögnum is a term used in discourse analysis and folklore studies to describe a rhetorical technique in which a speaker introduces a contrasting or opposing account within an ongoing narrative or conversation. The concept is discussed in studies of dialogic storytelling, where it can function to recalibrate memory, reframe events, or balance competing perspectives.

Definition and scope

Mótsögnum refers to the act of presenting an alternative or counter-narrative within a larger discourse. It is often analyzed as a way for speakers to contest a prevailing claim, to hedge certainty, or to safeguard the diversity of experiences represented in a conversation. The term is used across contexts such as oral histories, interviews, and informal conversations, and can be employed to influence how listeners interpret past events.

Origins and etymology

Scholarly discussions place the term within Icelandic-language and comparative discourse studies, with occasional references to its roots in elements meaning “against” and “narrative.” Because usages vary by author and field, etymological explanations are not uniform, and the term is sometimes described as a descriptive label rather than a fixed linguistic category.

Functions and applications

Mótsögnum serves several social functions: it challenges unilateral accounts, preserves marginalized viewpoints, and helps negotiate power dynamics in dialogue. It can appear as brief interjections, extended retellings, or carefully hedged claims that introduce an alternative chronology or interpretation.

Relation to other concepts

The idea is related to counter-narratives, dialogic repair, and stance-taking in conversation analysis. Critics warn that the term can be broad or inconsistently defined, highlighting the importance of context in interpretation.

See also: counter-narrative, discourse analysis, narrative repair. This article provides a neutral overview of the term as it appears in contemporary scholarly discussions, noting that definitions and applications vary by field.