Focalization: meaning, definitions and examples

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focalization

 

[ ˌfoʊkəlaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

literature theory

Focalization refers to the perspective from which a story is told. In literary theory, it describes the relationship between the narrator and the characters, indicating whose thoughts and feelings are presented to the reader. Different types of focalization can significantly impact the reader's understanding of the narrative.

Synonyms

narrative viewpoint, perspective, point of view

Examples of usage

  • The story employs internal focalization to convey the protagonist's emotions.
  • Through focalization, the reader gains insight into the character's motivations.
  • Focalization can shift throughout the novel, altering the reader's perception.
  • The choice of focalization affects the narrative's tone and style.

Translations

Translations of the word "focalization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 focalização

🇮🇳 केंद्रित करना

🇩🇪 Fokalisierung

🇮🇩 fokalisasi

🇺🇦 фокалізація

🇵🇱 fokalizacja

🇯🇵 焦点化

🇫🇷 focalisation

🇪🇸 focalización

🇹🇷 odaklama

🇰🇷 집중화

🇸🇦 تركيز

🇨🇿 fokalizace

🇸🇰 fokalizácia

🇨🇳 聚焦

🇸🇮 fokalizacija

🇮🇸 fokalizering

🇰🇿 фокализация

🇬🇪 ფოკალიზაცია

🇦🇿 fokalizasiya

🇲🇽 focalización

Word origin

The term 'focalization' originated from the word 'focus,' which comes from the Latin word 'focus' meaning 'hearth' or 'center.' The concept was adapted in literary studies in the late 20th century to describe the narrative technique of presenting a story through a specific lens or perspective. This adaptation was influenced by structuralism and post-structuralism, which emphasized the significance of perspective in shaping meaning. In essence, focalization allows readers to delve into a character's inner world or understand the context of the narrative through various viewpoints. This term has since been widely used in literary criticism and theory, highlighting its role in both fiction and non-fiction texts.