Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Dialectic'

English Word: Dialectic

Key Russian Translations:

• диалектика [dʲɪɐˈlʲɛktʲɪkə] - [Formal, Academic]
• диалог [dʲɪɐˈlok] - [Neutral, Often used in philosophical or conversational contexts]

Frequency: Medium (often used in academic and philosophical contexts)

Difficulty: B2-C1 (Intermediate to Advanced, due to abstract nature of the concept)

Pronunciation (Russian):

диалектика: [dʲɪɐˈlʲɛktʲɪkə]

Note on диалектика: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'к' is pronounced sharply, and the 'и' sounds like 'ee'.

диалог: [dʲɪɐˈlok]

Note on диалог: Stress on the second syllable. The final 'г' is voiced as a hard 'g'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Philosophical Concept (Method of Argumentation or Reasoning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• диалектика - Used in academic, philosophical, or Marxist contexts to describe a method of reasoning or historical development through contradictions.

Usage Examples:

• Диалектика Гегеля оказала огромное влияние на философию XIX века.

  Hegel's dialectic had a tremendous impact on 19th-century philosophy.

• Диалектика предполагает развитие через противоречия.

  Dialectic implies development through contradictions.

• Мы изучали диалектику как метод анализа социальных изменений.

  We studied dialectic as a method of analyzing social changes.

2. Conversational Exchange or Dialogue

Translation(s) & Context:

• диалог - Refers to a dialogue or discussion, often in a philosophical or literary sense, implying a dialectic exchange of ideas.

Usage Examples:

• Диалог между персонажами раскрывает их внутренние конфликты.

  The dialogue between the characters reveals their inner conflicts.

• Философский диалог помогает понять разные точки зрения.

  A philosophical dialogue helps understand different perspectives.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

диалектика (Noun, Feminine):

Note: No plural form, as it is an abstract concept.

диалог (Noun, Masculine):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for диалектика:

• метод противоречий
• философский метод

Note: Synonyms are rarely used compared to "диалектика" in academic contexts.

Antonyms for диалектика:

• догматизм

Synonyms for диалог:

• беседа
• разговор

Note: "беседа" is more informal, while "разговор" is neutral.

Related Phrases:

• диалектика развития - Dialectic of development (used in philosophical discussions of progress).
• диалектический материализм - Dialectical materialism (a key concept in Marxist philosophy).
• вести диалог - To conduct a dialogue (used for discussions or negotiations).

Usage Notes:

• "диалектика" is primarily used in formal, academic, or philosophical contexts. It does not refer to regional dialects (for which "диалект" is used).
• "диалог" can refer to both literal conversations and metaphorical or philosophical exchanges. Be cautious not to confuse it with "диалектика" when discussing reasoning methods.
• English speakers should note that "dialectic" as a concept is narrower in English than "диалектика" might imply in Russian, where it often includes broader philosophical implications.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "диалект" (regional dialect) instead of "диалектика" for the philosophical concept.
  Incorrect: Диалект Гегеля.
  Correct: Диалектика Гегеля.
  Explanation: "диалект" refers to linguistic variations, not philosophical methods.
• Error: Overusing "диалог" in academic contexts where "диалектика" is expected.
  Incorrect: Диалог противоречий.
  Correct: Диалектика противоречий.
  Explanation: "диалог" implies a conversation, not a method of reasoning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian intellectual history, "диалектика" is deeply associated with Marxist-Leninist philosophy, particularly through the works of Hegel, Marx, and Engels. It often carries a connotation of historical inevitability and class struggle, which may not be as prominent in English usage of "dialectic." Understanding this context is crucial when reading Russian philosophical texts.

Related Concepts:

• материализм
• идеализм
• противоречие