mvében

Mvében is a fictional term used in worldbuilding and speculative fiction to describe a structured, communal process for discourse and resource management. In the depicted contexts, mvében combines inclusive deliberation with ritualized elements to produce consensus among participants and to coordinate collective action.

Etymology and origins are commonly framed as fictional. The term is said to derive from a hypothetical language of the archipelago of Mvéba, with mvé meaning “together” and ben meaning “path” or “way.” Different settings may assign slightly varied etymologies, but the concept remains centered on collaborative decision making.

Definition and practice. A mvében cycle typically operates within a community setting such as a village council, cooperative, or diaspora gathering. It features a rotating facilitator, a central artifact called the mvében board (or mbében) used to indicate the floor and record decisions, and a set of ground rules to ensure respectful, orderly discourse. Decisions are pursued through inclusive speaking rounds, with the aim of broad legitimacy rather than simple majority. When necessary, decisions are achieved by consensus or tempered by a backstop that allows for revisiting issues later.

Structure and procedures. A mvében session usually includes an opening ritual or greeting, a problem framing phase, multiple rounds of speaking to hear diverse perspectives, and a closing reaffirmation of the chosen course. The process emphasizes listening, equal speaking opportunities, and transparent documentation of outcomes.

Variants and usage. In fiction, mvében can appear in different forms, such as a full mvében cycle for major decisions, a shorter rapid mvében for urgent matters, or digital variants for remote communities. It is often portrayed as a model of participatory governance, though fictional depictions may critique its time requirements or symbolic aspects.

Note. Mvében is a fictional construct and not a real-world constitutional or legal framework. Related concepts in real life include consensus decision-making and deliberative democracy.