samtaler

Samtale is a form of spoken interaction in which two or more people exchange information, ideas, or feelings. It is typically distinguished from a monologue by turn-taking and mutual responsiveness. In Norwegian, samtale and its plural samtaler cover casual conversations as well as structured dialogues, interviews, and counseling sessions. Conversations can occur face-to-face, over the phone, or through digital media, and they may be informal (small talk) or formal (job interviews, negotiations).

Core features of samtale include active listening, turn-taking, question-and-answer exchanges, and adaptation of content to the participants and the context. Norms around politeness, directness, and confidentiality shape how a samtale unfolds. Nonverbal cues, such as eye contact and posture, play a significant role in face-to-face settings, while tone, pace, and clarity matter in written or remote formats.

Different varieties exist: everyday conversations (casual chats), substantive dialogues (deliberation and problem solving), therapeutic conversations (talk therapy), and journalistic interviews. In language learning, samtale practice aims to develop fluency and communicative competence. In mediation or conflict resolution, facilitated samtaler seek mutual understanding and, where possible, agreement.

Etymology and cognates: the term derives from Old Norse roots, with sam- meaning together and tala meaning to speak; cognates appear in Danish samtale and Swedish samtal (though used differently in each language), all referring to dialogue or talk.

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