dialogize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Very Low FrequencyFormal, Academic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “dialogize” mean?
To transform or convert into dialogue.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To transform or convert into dialogue; to present or discuss something in the form of a conversation or exchange of views.
To engage in a process of discussion where multiple perspectives are considered; to adopt a dialogical approach to communication, thought, or writing. In literary theory, it can refer to making a text polyphonic or multi-voiced, as per Mikhail Bakhtin's concept of dialogism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similarly rare and academic in both varieties. The spelling 'dialogize' is standard in both, though the base noun 'dialogue' (UK) vs. 'dialog' (US) might influence user preference. The '-ise' suffix is common in UK English, but '-ize' is also accepted (Oxford spelling).
Connotations
Highly intellectual, theoretical, or pedagogical. In literary or philosophical contexts, it is a term of art.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage. Almost exclusively found in academic papers, literary criticism, communication studies, or texts on pedagogy and conflict resolution.
Grammar
How to Use “dialogize” in a Sentence
[Subject] dialogizes [Object (e.g., a text, a debate)][Subject] seeks to dialogize [Object] with [Indirect Object (e.g., an audience, a community)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dialogize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The workshop aimed to dialogise the historical narrative, incorporating diverse community perspectives.
- Modern pedagogy encourages teachers to dialogise their lessons rather than simply lecture.
American English
- The author's goal was to dialogize the monolithic historical account, letting marginal voices speak.
- The mediator worked to dialogize the entrenched conflict, moving parties from positions to interests.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in advanced management or HR contexts promoting inclusive decision-making: 'We need to dialogize the strategy with all stakeholders.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in humanities and social sciences: 'Bakhtin argued that Dostoevsky's novels dialogize consciousness.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in specific fields like discourse analysis, narratology, and conflict mediation theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dialogize”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dialogize”
- Using it as a simple synonym for 'talk' or 'chat'.
- Incorrect spelling: 'dialogise' (though acceptable in UK), 'dialogueize'.
- Assuming it's common in speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a valid but very rare verb, primarily used in academic and theoretical contexts. It is formed from 'dialogue' + '-ize'.
'To dialogue' means to hold a conversation. 'To dialogize' is more abstract; it means to convert something (a text, a process, a mindset) *into* a dialogue or to imbue it with dialogic qualities.
The Russian philosopher and literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin. He used the related terms 'dialogic' and 'dialogism' to describe how language and novels inherently contain multiple voices and perspectives.
No. It is highly specialized. In most contexts, words like 'discuss', 'debate', 'talk through', or 'open up for conversation' are more natural and widely understood.
To transform or convert into dialogue.
Dialogize is usually formal, academic, literary in register.
Dialogize: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈæləɡaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈæləˌɡaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To dialogize the monologue”
- “A dialogized consciousness”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DIALOG(ue) + IZE (to make) = to make into a dialogue. Imagine turning a boring lecture (IZE) into an interactive DIALOG.
Conceptual Metaphor
THOUGHT/COMMUNICATION IS A CONVERSATION. Knowledge is built through the interaction of voices.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'dialogize' most likely to be used as a technical term?