ABSTRACT

The two concepts, self and dialogue, that are central in this chapter, have their own specific connotations, when considered separately. The self is easily associated with something that is located ‘within the skin’ or ‘deep down inside’. Dialogue, on the other hand, evokes the image of two or more people, involved in some kind of communication, typically a communication in which people are on common terms and understand each other quite well. As far as individuals are communicating with themselves, the term ‘monologue’ comes easily to mind, as suggested by the well-known term ‘monologue interieur’. As these connotations suggest, the self is often considered a ‘within’ concept and dialogue a ‘between’ concept.