What is Dialogue?
Dialogue is a method to improve communication between people, to resolve conflicts and to shed light on an issue from a different point of view. It is an inclusive process where the goal is to find solutions.
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Dialogue is a specific form of communication, distinct from discussion and debate. The goal is to develop a shared understanding of the other, from their perspective. It involves becoming aware of blocks to communication that we instinctively act to defend.
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Dialogue is not about winning or losing, but rather to understand different opinions and perspectives.
​(Borhan, C. 2023)​
Why Dialogue?
Disagreements are a sign of a healthy democracy. However, as a society, we have become so polarized in our views, it has led to not just an increase in acts of bias and hatred but the acceptance that violence can be justified in settling disagreements. Conversations about difficult topics and how they effect human rights and social justice are being avoided.
Dialogue provides a framework to have difficult conversations. Using listening, empathy and shares experiences, dialogue builds trust and embraces difference as a strength. It does not require someone to be right and someone to be wrong, but instead, to understand the other's perspective.
Dialogue allows difficult conversations to happen because the focus is not on winning and losing, but on finding solutions to hard problems. Understanding the other's perspective in problem solving promotes human rights and social justice because emphasis is now on how best to solve the problem or issue that would be most equitable for all involved.
Dialogue and Social Work
Dialogue is a natural fit for social workers as it will enhance communication skills already being used with their clients.
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Dialogue has been found to be beneficial in addressing issues of diversity in group counseling and psychotherapy, in classroom settings and for bridging differences across the political divide.
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Dialogue places an emphasis on discussions surrounding one's own social identity.