Chinua Achebe; Dialogical Self theory; Hubert Hermans; Internal vs. External I-positions; Things Fall Apart

Imbizo ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Shaaban Deyab ◽  
Ebtihal Abdulsalam Elshaikh
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
The Self ◽  
Chinua Achebe ◽  
Dialogical Self ◽  
Things Fall Apart ◽  
Dialogical Self Theory ◽  
Dialogical Relation ◽  
Different Parts

This article attempts to provide a new reading of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1958) from the perspective of Dialogical Self Theory, which views the self as a complex set of interrelated positions developed through social interaction. This study illustrates how Okonkwo’s self moves from one I-position to another according to changes in situation and time. In Okonkwo’s interactions with other people, he invokes various internal and external I-positions, where different people arouse different parts in his “self” and perform inner dialogues between these positions. These internal and external I-positions disagree with each other. However, despite this dialogue, new positions failed to emerge. Okonkwo’s decision to kill himself at the end illustrates his failure to form a successful dialogical relation among his multiple I-positions.

scholarly journals Dialogical selves in action: Movements within and between frames in work meetings

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 588-608
Author(s):  
Pekka Kuusela ◽  
Pasi Hirvonen ◽  
Eeva Aromaa ◽  
Päivi Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Frame Analysis ◽  
Positioning Theory ◽  
Discursive Psychology ◽  
Social Situations ◽  
Dialogical Self ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Technological Object ◽  
Dialogical Self Theory

In our article, we present an analysis of work meeting interactions based on Hubert Hermans’ dialogical self theory and Erving Goffman’s frame analysis. Goffman’s approach has similarities with positioning theory and discursive psychology, which have a theoretical link to the dialogical self theory. In our analysis of work meetings, we identified three different frames in which participants discussed the acquisition of a new online text messaging service for the firm for which they worked. These frames were financial, pragmatic–instrumental, and social, all of which constructed different perspectives of the technological object and its use in daily work. Finally, the theoretical and methodological differences of dialogical self theory and frame analysis are outlined. The contribution of this article is two-fold; it illustrates how dialogical self theory and frame analysis provides, first, complementary approaches to social interaction and, second, how they differ in their orientation to the study of social situations.

scholarly journals Charles Taylor’s ontological hermeneutics and the question of existence in Marilynne Robinson’s Lila

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-45
Author(s):  
Hossein Pirnajmmudin ◽  
Sanaz Bayat
Keyword(s):  
Charles Taylor ◽  
Moral Worth ◽  
Human Existence ◽  
The Self ◽  
Marilynne Robinson ◽  
Dialogical Self ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
God's Grace ◽  
Dialogical Relation ◽  
Title Character

Abstract   Charles Taylor’s contribution (1964-2007) to the question of human existence expands across a wide range of areas to include ontological hermeneutics, linguistics, philosophy, and ethics. His Christian sensibility colors his philosophy of human existence which proposes that the self finds itself as a moral linguistic being who can exist only against a background of distinctions of moral worth and value and who is embedded in a world of meanings and dialogical relation with other linguistic beings. Marilynne Robinson’s acclaimed novel Lila (2015) is an account of the life of a young woman damaged by poverty, abandonment, and neglect and at the end healed by God’s grace. In fact, Lila is the story of how Lila, the title character, in her attempt to understand the meaning of existence through her being in the world and her linguistic awareness finds the answer to her questions in a higher sense of the good, the mystery of grace. In this study, first the dominant theses of Taylor’s philosophical anthropolo­­gy will be discussed followed by a discussion of Robinson’s stand ‒ which accords with that of Taylor – against the naturalistic theories of the self. Finally, the way the character’s interpretation of human existence accords with Taylorian framework is explored. Keywords: Charles Taylor, Marilynne Robinson’ Lila, existence, hermeneutics, self-interpretation, dialogical self.  

scholarly journals Le problème de l’identité culturelle dans les romans Tout s’effondre de Chinua Achebe et Un nom pour un autre de Jhumpa Lahiri

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 243-260
Author(s):  
Nadejda Ivanova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Human Condition ◽  
The Self ◽  
Close Connection ◽  
Cultural Conflict ◽  
Chinua Achebe ◽  
Native Community ◽  
Jhumpa Lahiri ◽  
Things Fall Apart ◽  
The Human Condition

The novels Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri approach an acute and sensitive problem of the effects of colonization and of the self-exiled emigrant man. Each of the protagonists of these two novels expresses an upheaval, an inner cultural conflict. It turns out that their destiny is in a close connection with their images and emotional valences, strongly fed by a collective imaginary, by the deep reality of collective life. Thus, adherence and communication with the archetypal resources of the native community, with the essential that precedes the human condition, proves to be a vital necessity, of overwhelming importance for our protagonists.

The dialogical Self from the viewpoint of hermeneutic phenomenology

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitri Ginev
Keyword(s):  
Hermeneutic Phenomenology ◽  
The Self ◽  
Dialogical Self ◽  
Dialogical Self Theory

This paper aims at rereading some tenets of dialogical Self theory in the perspective of hermeneutic phenomenology. It aims at radicalizing the tendency to the anti-Cartesian interpretation of the Self in this theory. The Self is conceived of in terms of an ecstatic unity of psychic subjectivity (as enabling the choices of possibilities) and trans-subjective configurations of practices. The existential possibilities are addressed as emerging from the appropriation of possibilities generated by configured practices. The Self exists in and through (and not behind) this transformation of trans-subjective possibilities into existential ones. The paper defends the situated transcendence of the Self’s existence within practices. This defense provides arguments against any approach assuming the existence of “punctual self”. From the viewpoint of hermeneutic phenomenology, the conceptualization of the dialogical Self must avoid any form of essentialism. This conceptualization is also at odds with assuming a kind of “transcendental ego” operating behind the Self’s pluralism of I-positions. The view of the Self as existing in and through the ongoing transformation of trans-subjective into existential possibilities admits that from the very outset the formation of the Self’s identities is predicated on the ecstatic unity of subjectivity and trans-subjectivity.

Self in the mirror: Uniting occidental and oriental views

2020 ◽  
pp. 1354067X2095189
Author(s):  
Laura Røgild-Müller
Keyword(s):  
Complex System ◽  
The Self ◽  
Human Being ◽  
Dialogical Self ◽  
Inner Dialogue ◽  
Dialogical Self Theory

The self is a complex system that no human being can ignore and yet it is still incredibly abstract. The present paper will apply occidental as well as oriental perspectives in its study of the dynamic of the dialogical self. Inspired by the work of David. Y. F. Ho I take on the task of looking at myself in the mirror to study the aspects of inner dialogue. The analysis is done with integration of Dialogical Self Theory and Dialectic perspectives. Leading into an illustration of the dialogical nature of spirituality.

scholarly journals Understanding Veterans Through the Lens of Dialogical Psychology and Theology

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-160
Author(s):  
Jan Grimell
Keyword(s):  
Military Service ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
The Self ◽  
Service Members ◽  
Civilian Life ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
Dialogical Self ◽  
Dialogical Self Theory ◽  
Theory Framework

A dialogical self theory framework has shown to be a promising methodology in the pursuit of mapping and gridding the psychological topography among military personnel during transition from military to civilian life and thereby advance the understandings of self-identity work in the process. This article demonstrates this methodology through a case study example drawn from a longitudinal research project that followed nineteen Swedish service members with annual interviews over a three-year period as they transitioned to civilian life. This case study example evolves into a discussion about a potential vulnerability that may be inherit among service members with distinct religious/spiritual/ethical positions in the self when or if those I-positions perceive themselves to be violated as a result of military service. The implication of such violations or transgressions may result in a type of spiritual injury that disconnects the spiritual capacity of the self to varying degrees. It is proposed that such spiritual injury is typically followed by monologue instead of dialogue. Theological concepts of forgiveness and acceptance may gradually restore the dialogical capacity between a violated position(s) and a traumatized military position within the self. Acceptance and dialogical evolution may then begin to heal the spiritual damage.

Liberation in the Face of Uncertainty

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hubert J. M. Hermans
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
The Self ◽  
Pursuit Of Happiness ◽  
Dialogical Self ◽  
The Social ◽  
The World ◽  
The Face ◽  
Dialogical Self Theory ◽  
The Relationship

In this volume, Dialogical Self Theory is innovatively presented as a guide to help elucidate some of the most pressing problems of our time as they emerge at the interface of self and society. As a bridging framework at the interface of the social sciences and philosophy, Dialogical Self Theory provides a broad view of problem areas that place us in a field of tension between liberation and social imprisonment. With climate change and the coronavirus pandemic serving as wake-up calls, the book focuses on the experience of uncertainty, the disenchantment of the world, the pursuit of happiness, and the cultural limitations of the Western self-ideal. Now more than ever we need to rethink the relationship between self, other, and the natural environment, and this book uses Dialogical Self Theory to explore actual and potential responses of the self to these urgent challenges.

Disturbances in dialogue and metacognition: A renewed way to understand and respond to alterations in self-experience in psychosis

2020 ◽  
pp. 095935432097375
Author(s):  
Paul H. Lysaker ◽  
John T. Lysaker
Keyword(s):  
Brain Function ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
The Self ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Injustice ◽  
Dialogical Self ◽  
Complementary Approach ◽  
History Of ◽  
Dialogical Self Theory

A dialogical model of psychosis proposed that the collapse of dialogue may explain the alterations in sense of self and agency observed in psychosis. This view was hampered by lack of clarity regarding the processes that support or hinder dialogue. Since then, research on metacognition has offered an alternative but also partially complementary approach. To explore this issue a brief history of the original dialogical conceptualization of psychosis and the difficulties that it confronts is offered along with the essential contributions of research on metacognition in psychosis. Next, we explore how this more recent research has deepened the exploration of some core ideas of dialogical self theory, including the multiplicity of the self, while calling into question other aspects of that theory. Lastly, we discuss issues awaiting future research including models linking disturbances in basic brain function, social injustice, community connection, and self-experience in psychosis from the frame of a network.

scholarly journals Self-writing as a tool for change: the effectiveness of a psychotherapy using diary

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Faccio ◽  
Francesca Turco ◽  
Antonio Iudici
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Self ◽  
Good Correspondence ◽  
Dialogical Self ◽  
Diary Writing ◽  
Dialogical Self Theory ◽  
Personal Reflections ◽  
Strategies For Change ◽  
The Relationship

There is an abundance of literature investigating the relationship between self-writing and well-being in cases of trauma or life-changing events, but no such research has assessed the value of keeping a daily diary in promoting small changes, describing an individual’s identity in its slow, but realistic evolution. This study examined how the use of diary as a narration tool contributed to improving a patient’s awareness of his personal emotions and feelings during a course of psychotherapy. It investigated the changes occurring in the prevailing writing style of a 200-page diary written by a patient suffering from hypochondria over a period of two and a half years. Sentences relating to the need for change, to the self, to suffering and to the function attributed to the self-writing activity were analyzed on the basis of specific criteria deriving from dialogical self theory, which conceptualizes ways to adopt new identity positions during the course of change. Respondent validation identified a good correspondence between the findings of the textual analysis and the writer’s own point of view. Results showed an improvement in awareness of moods and feelings. Identity positions became more integrated and writing more enjoyable. These findings demonstrate the potential of innovative use of diary writing as a longitudinal tool for consolidating strategies for change and as an additional means for assessing psychotherapy efficacy. Writing a diary proved effective both in supporting the patient’s personal reflections and changes and in making it easier for him to share his thoughts with the therapist.

scholarly journals Intergroup Dialogues in the Landscape of Digital Societies: How Does the Dialogical Self Affect Intercultural Relations in Online Contexts?

Societies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Chiara Imperato ◽  
Tiziana Mancini
Keyword(s):  
Racial Identity ◽  
Hate Speech ◽  
The Self ◽  
Intergroup Bias ◽  
The Other ◽  
Intercultural Relations ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Dialogical Self ◽  
Prejudice And Discrimination ◽  
Theory Research

The effects of intergroup dialogues on intercultural relations in digital societies and the growing conflict, inflammatory and hate speech phenomena characterizing these environments are receiving increasing attention in socio-psychological studies. Based on Allport’s contact theory, scholars have shown that online intercultural contact reduces ethnic prejudice and discrimination, although it is not yet clear when and how this occurs. By analyzing the role of the Dialogical Self in online intercultural dialogues, we aim to understand how individuals position themselves and others at three levels of inclusiveness—personal, social, and human—and how this process is associated with attitudes towards the interlocutor, intergroup bias and prejudice, whilst also considering the inclusion of the Other in the Self and ethnic/racial identity. An experimental procedure was administered via the Qualtrics platform, and data were collected among 118 undergraduate Italian students through an anonymous questionnaire. From ANOVA and moderation analysis, it emerged that the social level of inclusiveness was positively associated with ethnic/racial identity and intergroup bias. Furthermore, the human level of inclusiveness was associated with the inclusion of the Other in the Self and ethnic/racial identity, and unexpectedly, also with intergroup bias. We conclude that when people interact online as “human beings”, the positive effect of online dialogue fails, hindering the differentiation processes necessary to define one’s own and the interlocutor’s identities. We discuss the effects of intercultural dialogue in the landscape of digital societies and the relevance of our findings for theory, research and practice.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document