Bakhtin (Mikhail Bakhtin)

Mikhail Bakhtin was a Russian philosopher and literary critic known for his ideas about language, literature, and society. He emphasized the concept of dialogism, which means that all language and meaning arise from interactions between people, rather than existing in isolation. Bakhtin believed that different voices and perspectives enrich understanding. He also explored the idea of the “carnivalesque,” where traditional norms are subverted, allowing for free expression and humor. His work has had a significant influence on literary theory, cultural studies, and the understanding of how narratives shape our social realities.