What is Dialogue?
We encounter people every day who are different from us. Sometimes the difference is on the surface and obvious: like skin colour, gender and clothing. Other times the differences are more complex and unseen: values, beliefs and world views. This diversity makes our world a richer and more diverse place. However, these differences may cause misunderstandings and conflicts, especially when someone’s opinions contradict our own.
Imagine standing on your own spot, surrounded by others on theirs. Each person has their own unique background, experiences and views. From where you stand, it’s hard to fully understand their perspectives, and they can’t fully see yours either. Now, imagine taking a step forward and starting a conversation. You begin to hear their stories, understand their views, and gradually, those spots become connected, creating a bridge of understanding that wasn’t there before.
Dialogue is the observing lens of this and provides a new layer, of interacting and of allowing yourself to explore what you don’t know.
Dialogue is giving space to listen and be heard; it is allowing yourself to create a space of mutual understanding and a space to build curiosity. Dialogue is allowing your ears to absorb information about the other.
Trying to understand and be understood can feel confusing, leading to oversimplifications and stereotypes that fuel hate speech and even violence and this is why dialogue matters.
Why Dialogue Matters?
imagining a world without it. Dialogue is not just about conversation; it’s about breaking down barriers and fostering understanding to create a more inclusive world.
If you’re questioning the significance of dialogue and its influence on people, consider these harsh realities: examples of divisions, discrimination, and exclusion that emerge in its absence.
Sources: UN Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023, Eurostat, International Labour Organization (ILO), UNESCO, Ipsos.
Why do we discriminate?
While growing up, one was usually told to not talk to strangers, to never stop and listen to what they have to say, one was usually told to perceive strangers as dangerous. Then we grow up, and we don’t break free from limiting elements that frame our minds which eliminates our curiosity to meet and know another person. We grow up, and we see misinformation all around us, we see stereotypes about a specific country, people, and ethnic groups, and we follow them.
We have to break free from all of those elements to allow ourselves to absorb all the values a dialogue brings.
Dialogue is
Why is ALF here?
At the ALF, we believe in the transformative power of dialogue. We bring together civil society organisations, institutions, governments and change-makers from across the Euro-Mediterranean region. Through our diverse programmes and initiatives, we create spaces for people to meet, learn and collaborate on relevant key themes. By exchanging knowledge and experiences, we build meaningful connections that transform dialogue into action, creating a ripple effect that empowers individuals and communities, spreading positive change across the region.
How to initiate a dialogue? Dialogue 101?
We often get asked to initiate dialogue and have dialogue with someone we don’t know, and we simply can’t. Here is to how to initiate dialogue:
1. Build upon your curiosity and silence the urge to stay silent.
Say: Hi, my name is X, I do Y, What about you?
OR
Say: Hi, I heard/read that ……..? Is this correct? (Use this prompt and apply different situations)
OR
Say: Hello! I’m …., sorry to bother you, but my curiosity drove me to ask you about X, I’ve never met an …….. before and wanted to know/educate myself.
2. After building a basic rapport between you and the person, you can start delving a bit deeper into the conversation. If you don’t understand, just ask.
Say: I bet you get asked a lot about X, how does this make you feel?
OR
Say: I’ve been even more curious now to know further, tell me more about what you do in X, Y, Z. How does this make you feel?
**Make sure to LISTEN and to ask follow up questions like: What did you do next? How did it make you feel? Have you been proud/ashamed/worried? Is it your first time to talk about it?
3. After talking about feelings, now you can delve into the WHY! Why someone is doing/acting in a certain way usually indicates a lot from their own iceberg.
Say: This sounds like it needs so much courage, would you mind telling me why did you do this? What drove you to do/work here?
OR
I wonder what could have happened to make you believe in X. Why do you believe so much in X? Why do you think it’s important to XYZ?
Remember: The point of dialogue isn’t for you to be convinced by the other person’s point of view, but to understand and accept their perspective. When someone engages in dialogue with you, ensure that you:
tone of voice And remember: “Why” is the word that opens the gate. It sparks curiosity, fosters connection, and builds the bridge needed for understanding.
Stay consistent in your attention
Truly listen
Ask follow-up questions
Always ask why
Maintain positive body language
Keep an attentive, non-drowsy