ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: "dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"

Abil — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:01:44 GMT

Thanks Mr Wordy

Re: "dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"

Mr Wordy — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 03:19:39 GMT

Abil
"I have been invited to give a talk on the issue of conflict management."

Is "talk" in this case informal?

If you're asking if a talk itself has to be informal, then not necessarily. I guess a talk can range from fairly informal (a bunch of people around a whiteboard) to fairly formal (in a lecture theatre, say). It always implies some structure and presentation effort, though: it's more than an ad hoc explanatory chat.

If you're asking if the use of the word "talk" is informal, then no. The word "talk" in this sense is appropriate in any level of writing or speech.

Re: "dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"

Abil — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 02:20:43 GMT

Thanks Mr Wordy.

"I have been invited to give a talk on the issue of conflict management."

Is "talk" in this case informal?

Re: "dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"

Mr Wordy — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:24:19 GMT

Abil
In my view, there is a difference between "talk" and "talks". For example:

I had talk with him (personal conversation).

The rebels held talks with the government (formal discussion on specific agenda).

A couple more meanings for the noun:

"Talk" (uncountable) can mean verbal communication in general, sometimes extended to written communication: There's been a lot of talk about the economy recently.

"Talk" (countable) can mean a speech or presentation: I gave a talk on plant breeding; I've given several talks on plant breeding.

Re: "dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"

Abil — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:41:34 GMT

Thanks GG, I did not know that "a" is required.

Re: "dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"

Grammar Geek — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:55:24 GMT

Yes, I agree. I had a talk -- personal conversation.

I think your missing "a" was just a typo.

Re: "dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"

Abil — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 05:08:19 GMT

Thanks Mr. Clive, Mr Wordy and GG.

In my view, there is a difference between "talk" and "talks". For example:

I had talk with him (personal conversation).

The rebels held talks with the government (formal discussion on specific agenda).

Re: "dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"

Grammar Geek — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:34:04 GMT

I also recall it being used in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

Re: "dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"

Clive — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:32:32 GMT

Hi,

Thanls to Mr. Wordy, I see now that your context is communication between countries, etc.

The word 'parley' is occasionally used to refer to talks between two warring groups, usually under a flag of truce, to discuss things like terms of surrender, exchange of prisoners of war, etc.

Best wishes, Clive

Re: "dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"

Mr Wordy — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:41:30 GMT

Also, in the context of discussions between countries, or similar:

"Dialogue" usually involves only two parties, and usually describes an ongoing series of communications.

"Talks" can involve more than two parties, and usually refers to a specific event -- e.g. a summit or conference.

"Parley" is a word that I've almost never come across in real life. But Google News Search throws up rather more recent examples than I would have expected, so perhaps in some parts of the world it is more common.

Re: "dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"

Clive — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:26:05 GMT

Hi,
Here are a few comments.

dialogue Usually suggets an organized, structured kind of conversation. eg The USA is having a dialogue with Iran. Used particulary for conversations that are written in the script for movies, TV, theatre. eg The actor had to learn his dialogue.

talk I think this often suggests a serious topic. eg The teacher had a talk with the student about his lateness.

parley An archaic word, basically no longer used.

conversation This is a more common term than any of the above. eg I had a nice conversation with Mary.

Best wishes, Clive

"dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"

Abil — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:28:47 GMT

Is there any difference between "dialogue", "talks" and "parleys"? Thanks