Based on the practice of analyzing notions such as singularity, language and otherness, the present paper discusses the possibility of establishing “language games” and “family similarities” between the Bakhtinian and Lacanian perspectives, as well as highlight their differences. This attempt is based on the recognition of a dialogical principle in psychoanalysis, from its theorization about the constitution of the subject. On the other hand, a reading of Bakhtin’s texts that is inspired by psychoanalysis also puts new versions of the notion of consciousness into perspective, beyond the grammar of the subject, control and rationalism. This paper suggests that while on the one hand it would be controversial to establish a “confluence” between Bakhtin and Lacan, on the other hand, the differences may illuminate and generate new metaphors between the two approaches.
Key words:
Bakhtin; Lacan; singularity; language; otherness