How Do You Spell DEFAMILIARIZATION?

Pronunciation: [dɪfəmˌɪli͡əɹa͡ɪzˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

Defamiliarization is a long and complex word that describes the process of making something familiar seem unfamiliar, in order to provoke new perspectives and ideas. The word is spelled with three syllables - "dee-fuh-mill-yuh-ry-zay-shun" - and features a combination of prefix, root, and suffix elements. The first letter "d" indicates a negation or reversal of the following element "familiar," while the "-ization" suffix signals the process of making something this way. Overall, the spelling is designed to capture the word's sophisticated and nuanced meaning.

DEFAMILIARIZATION Meaning and Definition

1. Defamiliarization, also known as ostranenie, is a concept primarily associated with the field of literary theory and critical analysis. It refers to a technique used by artists, especially writers and poets, to present familiar objects, events, or situations in an unfamiliar or strange way. By doing so, the artist aims to challenge the reader's or viewer's preconceived notions and perceptions, thus creating a renewed sense of perception and understanding.

   The term "defamiliarization" was coined by the Russian formalist Viktor Shklovsky in the early 20th century and is often described as a method of making the familiar unfamiliar. Through the use of various literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, and surreal imagery, the artist disrupts the conventional ways of perceiving the world, leading the audience to engage with the familiar subject matter in a new and thought-provoking manner.

   The purpose of defamiliarization is not to confuse or disorient the audience, but rather to prompt them to question the mundane and habituated ways they perceive reality. By presenting everyday objects or situations in an unexpected or unusual light, artists encourage the audience to actively participate in the artistic experience, breaking away from the automatic acceptance of the familiar.

   Overall, defamiliarization plays a crucial role in enhancing aesthetic appreciation and provoking intellectual engagement. It invites the audience to reconsider their assumptions, transcend the boundaries of familiarity, and develop a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of the world around them.

Common Misspellings for DEFAMILIARIZATION

• difamiliarization

Etymology of DEFAMILIARIZATION

The word "defamiliarization" is derived from the prefix "de-", meaning "remove" or "undo", and the noun "familiarization", which is formed from the verb "familiarize".

The verb "familiarize" traces back to the Middle English term "familiarisen", which emerged from the Old French word "familiariser", meaning "to make familiar". The French term, in turn, comes from the Late Latin "familiarisare", derived from the Latin word "familiaris", meaning "belonging to a household" or "of a household servant".

The prefix "de-" in "defamiliarization" negates or reverses the effect of "familiarize", resulting in the concept of making something unfamiliar.