Write a dialogue between two friends on social distancing around 500 words
Answers
Explanation:
A multitude of meanings
So, to give you (the reader) something to reflect upon as you wait out COVID-19, here is just some of what participants shared on what dialogue means to them:
Dialogue is about enhancing participation. The process of dialogue can foster inclusivity by allowing others to enter the conversation and create new narratives.
Dialogue is about opening up avenues for further conversation. Even when things seem hopeless and like no solution can be found, dialogue between communities and between decision makers – even on everyday, practical issues – is an important step in building trust and can be an entry point for having more difficult conversations.
Dialogue is about our informal everyday interactions with each other. It provides an opportunity to express our emotions. It is an opportunity for people to get to know one another and develop relationships. Perhaps in the process, we can overcome some of our prejudices and overcome conflicts.
Dialogue is about persuasion. Parties communicate their needs and, through conversation, make concessions to come to a certain outcome.
Dialogue is about minimising divisions. Between people and their governments. Between groups within societies. Between communities.
Dialogue is about accepting each other and the fact that we have different backgrounds and come to the table with different perspectives. Coming to an agreement is secondary to understanding where we are all coming from.
Dialogue is about community reconciliation, rather than simply resolving a conflict. It is a non-linear process that requires different actors and methods throughout.
Dialogue is about changing attitudes – breaking down stereotypes. This requires sustained engagement.
While people highlighted different dimensions of the dialogue process, it was clear that they understood the value of the other perspectives and that the dimensions are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Participants emphasised the importance of bringing the informal and formal together. Some highlighted the importance of multi-track dialogue processes as a way to link up conversations taking place at the community level with decision making and formal peace negotiations.
Participants in all four roundtable sessions, from Jordan to Sri Lanka to Sweden, also pointed out that if not done correctly, dialogue can actually increase polarisation between groups. More is therefore needed to improve skills in facilitating dialogue and to find approaches to constructively engage with those who don’t want to participate in dialogue. The international community can support local dialogue efforts by showing solidarity and partnering with civil society; building the capacities of national-level facilitators; offer technical and financial support; and provide more physical spaces for dialogue.