"Defamiliarization" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Defamiliarization" Meaning

Defamiliarization is a literary technique used to present a familiar thing, situation, or concept in an unfamiliar or unusual way, often to highlight its underlying meaning or to challenge the reader's assumptions. This technique, also known as "estrangement," is used to create a sense of distance or disconnection, allowing the reader to re-evaluate their perceptions and gain a new understanding of the subject. By presenting the familiar in an unfamiliar context, defamiliarization can encourage critical thinking, promote empathy, and stimulate the reader's imagination. It is often used in literary fiction, poetry, and other forms of creative writing to create a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.

"Defamiliarization" Examples

Defamiliarization

Defamiliarization is a literary technique that involves presenting ordinary things in an unexpected or unusual way in order to create a sense of wonder, curiosity, or even shock in the reader. Here are 5 examples of defamiliarization in literature and everyday life:

Example 1:
After years of reading about the moon, I finally saw it through a telescope. The craters, mountains, and valleys were like nothing I had ever imagined. The defamiliarization of the familiar moon had me feeling like a child again.

Example 2:
In Vladimir Nabokov's novel "Lolita", the protagonist Humbert Humbert describes his stepdaughter Dolores as an "nymphet". This unusual word choice defamiliarizes the idea of a pre-teen girl and creates a sense of unease in the reader.

Example 3:
Imagine walking into a familiar café, but instead of seeing the usual coffee machines and chairs, you are surrounded by tropical plants, colorful fish tanks, and a soundscape of ocean waves. This unexpected atmosphere defamiliarizes the ordinary café experience.

Example 4:
Photographer Cindy Sherman's self-portrait series, "Untitled Film Stills", features herself in various disguises and settings. By presenting herself in these unexpected roles, Sherman defamiliarizes the idea of identity and challenges the viewer's expectations.

Example 5:
Writer Italo Calvino's "Invisible Cities" is a collection of descriptions of imaginary cities. Each city is presented in a unique and unfamiliar way, defamiliarizing the idea of what a city should look like and challenging the reader to imagine new possibilities.

By employing defamiliarization, artists and writers can encourage us to see the world in new and unexpected ways, sparking our imagination and creativity.