Konferenca Shkencë, Edukim, Shpikje Challenges of Political and Religious Dialogue 2023

Associate Professor Matt Tomlinson, from the College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP), analyzes the meanings of monologue and dialogue in political and religious speech, drawing from ethnographic research in Fiji, Samoa, and Australia. He explores how speakers define dialogue, who can participate, and the consequences when it fails. Matt also delves into the connection between monologue and dialogue, examining themes of challenge, vulnerability, consensus, and commitment. Overall, he argues that monologue and dialogue are always present in specific political and religious speech genres. Matt Tomlinson is an Associate Professor at the School of Culture, History and Language in the College of Asia and the Pacific, specializing in the relationship between language, politics, and religious ritual. His research interests cover various aspects of Oceania, including Fiji, Samoa, and Australia.