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Article published In: Language and Dialogue
Vol. 7:2 (2017) ► pp.236–252

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The Bakhtin case

An apparent tension between two traditions in dialogue studies

 | Université de Sherbrooke (Canada)
Published online: 27 October 2017
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https://doi.org/10.1075/ld.7.2.05let
Abstract
Studies about dialogue are conducted in a descriptive perspective, but also in a so-called normative approach or tradition. Taking Bakhtin’s case, I consider this tension and show how it can be treated as a question of disciplines and interdisciplinarity, which permits us to understand how they are both necessary and complement each other. This disciplinary angle can be relevant to understand Bakhtin’s own work but also other research paths. Showing then how this way of structuring research is lacking certain elements notably the evaluative aspect of any discourse and discourse study, I develop the hypothesis according to which a triad of terms might be more useful to reflect and study dialogue than just the descriptive/normative dyad, suggesting the introduction of Peircian categories.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.History of reception and difficulties
    • 2.1Marxism and philosophy of language (Voloshinov)
    • 2.2Description and the aim of getting better
  • 3.Interdisciplinarity and complementarity
    • 3.1Place of the author as individual: a unifying force
  • 4.To conclude: Dialogue as a set of social possibilities
  • References
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