Szólaló

Szólaló is a Hungarian noun formed from the verb szólal (to speak, to voice) and functions as an agent noun meaning “one who speaks.” It has several related senses depending on context. The term can designate a person who speaks in a public or formal setting, and it is also used in musical contexts to refer to a solo performer.

In the public realm, szólaló denotes the speaker in a debate, meeting, or parliamentary session. A szólaló contributes a comment, question, or argument during the discussion, and the related noun szólalás refers to the act of speaking. The term commonly occurs in phrases such as szólaló képviselő (speaking representative) or szólaló a vitában (the speaker in the debate). The usage emphasizes the act of delivering spoken contribution rather than the content alone.

In music, szólaló is used to describe a soloist—the performer who delivers a solo line or passage as opposed to the ensemble parts. This sense is typical in choirs and orchestras, where a szólaló may be indicated for a particular voice or instrument to stand out with a solo. The term highlights the performer's role rather than the musical form itself; the act of performing a solo is often referred to as szólalás or szóló.

Etymologically, szólaló is the agent noun derived from szól, with the typical Hungarian suffix -ó, signaling “the one who speaks.” Related terms include szóló (solo) and szólalás (speaking turn or act of speaking).