Tilannesanan

Tilannesanan is a coined term used to describe a social-linguistic practice in which a community coordinates memory of events through a regulated sequence of spoken contributions. It functions as a mechanism for constructing a shared narrative and legitimizing authority in communal decision-making.

Etymology: The term is drawn from a hypothetical Tilannesan language, combining tilanne (situation) and sanan (word or speech). The literal sense is "the words of the situation." Because it appears in both fictional settings and theoretical discussions, tilannesanan is used to illustrate how language can shape memory and power in collective contexts.

Usage and examples: In fiction, tilannesanan often appears in ritual scenes where participants take turns recounting aspects of a recent event, with a mediator curating the narrative for coherence. In academic discussions, it is analyzed as a form of narrative performativity and memory orchestration, highlighting how communities assign meaning to events. It is discussed in relation to oral tradition, collective memory, and discourse ethics.

Reception and critiques: Some scholars view tilannesanan as a useful model for understanding memory politics and participatory storytelling; others caution that such practices can encode power dynamics or suppress dissent if mediation concentrates control in a limited group.

See also: Oral history, narrative theory, performativity, memory studies, ritual.