Suvinian Dialog

Suvinian Dialog is a teaching-style mode of conversation used within the mathic world, where a mentor instructs a fid. It is explicitly contrasted with two other named modes: a peregrin dialog (two equals working something out together) and a Periklynian dialog (a combative exchange).

First Appearance and Context

The term is used by an avout narrator during a walk extramuros as he characterizes the nature of his discussion with a fellow fraa. In that passage, he defines three categories side by side: peregrin dialog, suvinian dialog, and Periklynian dialog.

Roles/Actions and Affiliations

Suvinian dialog denotes a pedagogical interaction within the maths, identifying conversations where a mentor teaches and a fid learns. It belongs to the mathic vocabulary for classifying kinds of discourse among avout.

Relationships

• Contrasted concepts: peregrin dialog (equals) and Periklynian dialog (combative exchange).
• Participants: a mentor and a fid in a hierarchical, instructional relationship.

Descriptions/Characteristics

• Didactic: one party leads with instruction; the other responds as a learner.
• Hierarchical: explicitly defines mentor–fid roles rather than peer-to-peer exchange.
• Distinct from: peregrin dialog (collaborative) and Periklynian dialog (adversarial).

Current Status/Location

Suvinian dialog is in active use as part of the avout’s conversational taxonomy; it is described in use during Apert while avout are extramuros.