Every time I hear the word dialogue, I immediately think of a conversation in a piece of literature. For some reason, it is difficult for me to process dialogue as something in the “real world” or as something I can participate in. Basically, I seem to neglect verbal dialogue because I feel as if written dialogue is emphasized more.
What exactly is dialogue?
In class on Monday, we took a field trip to Mi Casa Café in order to participate in real life dialogue over pieces of literature. Real life dialogue is different then written dialogue: the “uh’s” and the “erms” shows inconsistency to that of written dialogue. But it is those things that make dialogue with others enriching. I believe good dialogue consist of interruptions, awkward sounds, and body language.
This seems so much different then written dialogue. This may be why I find it difficult understanding the similarities of both because there are just too many differences. Written dialogue excludes those things that fascinate me about real life dialogue such as interruptions, awkward sounds and body language. And, of course, it makes sense why authors eliminate these digressions: they lengthen the story, and cause too much confusion in the reading.
But as I think back to the reading I brought to class on Monday, I am beginning to understand the link between written dialogue and real life dialogue. One of the books I brought was Tuesdays with Morrie (which I have mentioned from my first blog post.) The majority of the story consists of dialogue between the two main characters. This technique made the story beautifully written because it helped express the emotions of the characters. Dialogue helped reveal the characters hopes and worries. As well, dialogue gave empowerment to the story. The same goes for real life dialogue. We communicate and participate verbally with one another to express our opinions and beliefs. Spoken dialogue helps us connect with one another, just as written dialogue hopes to connect with us as a reader.
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What an abstract post miss Annalee. Dialogue. I never really thought about it as you have described here. You are very right though, in terms of the link between written and spoken dialogue. I love when you said, "I believe good dialogue consist of interruptions, awkward sounds, and body language." Great!
ReplyDeleteI think you had some really good points. Dialogue is different in real life than it appears on a page. Conversation is much more than the words spoken; it's sounds and pauses and squeaky chairs and the hum of the air conditioner in the background.
ReplyDeleteIt might be interesting for you to think about what it means to dialogue *with* the text. Think about reading the words on the page and actually responding to them, not out loud necessarily, but with your thoughts. Try reading a book like it's a story someone is telling you, someone who doesn't mind if you interrupt to ask a question of disagree or add your own opinion. :)
Deffinitly agree. With you and with the above comments. This is a great post. I think dialogue is a huge thing Prof. Corrigan is trying to teach us how to do. I love how you interact with the books you read and how you feel them so deeply. Simply Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAgree with everything you said! I think dialogue is important. I definitely get more out of spoken dialogue then written. I enjoyed hearing about the books you read.
ReplyDelete"I believe good dialogue consist of interruptions, awkward sounds, and body language." I like how you explained this! I've never really thought of it that way, but I agree! :)
ReplyDeleteI like this: "dialogue helps us connect with one another"! Thanks.
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