What does multivocal mean?
Multivocal describes something that contains or expresses more than one distinct voice. In literary criticism, a multivocal novel, play, or poem gives different characters, narrators, or styles of speech room to appear without requiring one perspective to subsume all the others. The word can also characterize a performance, discussion, organization, or community in which several tones and viewpoints coexist. Its use often suggests artistic or intellectual complexity, although the term itself need not be evaluative. The related word multivoiced is sometimes substituted, while polyphonic is a close synonym in discussions of literature, music, and communication. Multivocal is particularly useful when the plurality of voices is a defining feature of a work or encounter.
adjectiveHaving, expressing, or involving more than one distinct voice, perspective, or tone. It is especially used of literary works, performances, and communities that bring together several viewpoints.
- Having or involving multiple distinct voices, perspectives, or modes of expression.
- Characterized by several speakers or viewpoints contributing to a work, discussion, or performance.
"The novel offers a richly multivocal portrait of life in the city."
"The multihomed account brought together memories and testimony from several very different lives."
"Their multihomed performance gave each performer room to establish a distinct voice and perspective."
A multivocal work does more than add characters: it makes disagreement and difference part of its own voice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does multivocal come from?
Multivocal was formed in the 19th century from the prefix multi-, meaning “many,” and vocal, meaning “of or relating to the voice.” Vocal ultimately comes through Old French from Latin vocalis, derived from vox, meaning “voice.” The same Latin root underlies words such as vocalist, vocalize, and vocation.
How multivocal is actually used
The term is common in literary and cultural criticism but is also used in general discussion. It is usually positive when it describes artistic complexity, though it can also neutrally indicate the presence of competing viewpoints. It is related to, but more specific than, simply being diverse.