The coexistence of multiple voices, languages, or discourses within a single work or cultural space. It describes how different social groups' ways of speaking interact and compete within literature or society.
From Greek 'hetero' (different) and 'glossa' (tongue/language). Coined by Mikhail Bakhtin to describe the novel's unique ability to incorporate multiple social voices and speech styles, contrasting with poetry's traditionally unified voice.
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