What is dialogue?

Dialogue can be defined as a special type of communication, which employs distinct skills to understand each other. It is a process of conversation wherein two or more people speak with each other. In the literary sense, dialogue is a form of discussion between parties. Dialogue allows people to connect with each other at a deeper level. People participating in a dialogue say that there are several advantages of a dialogue.

The main advantage of having a dialogue is that mistrust among people is dispelled. As such it creates an atmosphere of trust and faith. Negative stereotypes of one person towards the other are broken and reveal the common traits of each other. Dialogue shifts the focus of a person to building a relationship with each other rather than having a transaction thus helping in creating a community. Participants of a dialogue are more sympathetic to each other’s grievances even if they do not necessarily match. Over time, dialogue prepares the framework for a negotiated settlement of issues. Moreover, while having a dialogue with another person the best characteristics of the person are brought out instead of his worst.

 Dialogue can be contrasted with debate, which is another commonly used kind of conversation. The aim of a dialogue is to learn whereas debate aims at winning. Dialogue gives people a chance to exchange views and come to a common conclusion whereas in a debate it is assumed that only one person’s answer is right and the other side tries to prove it wrong. The listener tries to find fault with the person he or she is debating and makes counter arguments.

Thus dialogue is a form of communication wherein there is convergence of views and people try to understand each other.