What Does It Mean To Make The Familiar Strange

What Does It Mean to Make the Familiar Strange? A Deep Dive into Defamiliarization

The world around us, in its daily routine and mundane details, often fades into a hazy background. We become so accustomed to our surroundings, our habits, our very selves, that we cease to truly see them. This is where the concept of "making the familiar strange," or defamiliarization, comes into play. It's a powerful literary and artistic technique, but its implications extend far beyond the creative realm, impacting how we perceive the world, learn, and even innovate.

Understanding Defamiliarization: A Literary Device with Broader Implications

Coined by the Russian Formalist Viktor Shklovsky, defamiliarization (often referred to as ostranenie in its original Russian) is a literary technique used to present to audiences common things in an unfamiliar or strange way, in order to enhance perception of the familiar. By disrupting our automatic perception, defamiliarization forces us to actively engage with the subject matter, seeing it anew and with heightened awareness. It's about breaking free from the autopilot of our daily lives and rediscovering the wonder and complexity inherent in the ordinary.

Beyond Literature: The Real-World Applications of Defamiliarization

While its origins lie in literary criticism, defamiliarization has far-reaching applications. We can find its principles at work in:

• Art: Surrealist painters like Salvador Dalí masterfully utilized defamiliarization, juxtaposing everyday objects in bizarre and unexpected ways, forcing viewers to question their perceptions of reality.
• Film: Filmmakers often employ unconventional camera angles, editing techniques, and sound design to disrupt the viewer's expectations and create a sense of unease or heightened awareness. Consider the unsettling imagery in David Lynch's films, or the jarring shifts in perspective in the work of Christopher Nolan.
• Music: Composers experiment with unconventional harmonies, rhythms, and instrumentation to challenge listeners' preconceived notions of musical structure and beauty. Think of the atonal compositions of Arnold Schoenberg or the experimental soundscapes of contemporary electronic music.
• Design: Innovative product design often relies on defamiliarization, taking familiar objects and reimagining them in unexpected ways. Consider the sleek, minimalist design of Apple products, which, while familiar in their functionality, presented a fresh aesthetic.

Techniques for Making the Familiar Strange

How can we actively employ defamiliarization in our own lives and creative endeavors? Here are some key techniques:

1. Shifting Perspective

Imagine describing a familiar object, like a coffee cup, from the perspective of an alien visitor who has never encountered such a thing. What would strike them as unusual? What details would they focus on that we normally overlook? This simple shift in perspective can reveal hidden layers of complexity and meaning.

2. Employing Unconventional Language

Using unusual metaphors, similes, and descriptive language can jolt the reader or listener out of their habitual way of thinking. Instead of saying "The sun rose," try something like "The sun, a molten orange eye, blinked open over the horizon." This unexpected phrasing forces a renewed appreciation for the imagery.

3. Juxtaposition and Unexpected Combinations

Combining disparate elements in unexpected ways can create a sense of surprise and intrigue. Think of a photograph that juxtaposes a bustling city street with a serene natural landscape. The contrast forces us to re-evaluate our understanding of both.

4. Heightening Sensory Details

Instead of simply stating facts, focus on the sensory details that often get overlooked. What does the air smell like? What textures do you feel? What sounds surround you? By emphasizing these sensory elements, we can create a richer, more immersive experience that engages the reader on a deeper level.

5. Focusing on the Mundane

Ironically, focusing on the seemingly mundane can be a powerful way to make the familiar strange. By paying close attention to the details of everyday life – the way light falls on a dusty table, the rhythm of footsteps on a pavement – we can uncover hidden beauty and meaning in the ordinary.

The Psychological Benefits of Defamiliarization

The practice of making the familiar strange isn't just an artistic technique; it's a powerful tool for personal growth and psychological well-being. By disrupting our habitual patterns of perception, we can:

• Increase Creativity: Defamiliarization fosters creative thinking by breaking down ingrained assumptions and opening us up to new possibilities.
• Enhance Empathy: By stepping outside our own perspectives and imagining the world from another's point of view, we can cultivate empathy and understanding.
• Reduce Stress and Anxiety: By slowing down and paying attention to the details of our surroundings, we can find a sense of calm and mindfulness in the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety.
• Improve Problem-Solving Skills: By approaching problems from a fresh perspective, we can identify creative solutions that we might have otherwise overlooked.

Defamiliarization in Everyday Life: Practical Exercises

Here are some practical exercises to incorporate defamiliarization into your daily life:

• The "Sensory Walk": Take a walk around your neighborhood, paying close attention to all five senses. Describe what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch in vivid detail.
• The "Object Study": Choose a familiar object and examine it as if you've never seen it before. Sketch it, photograph it from different angles, and write a detailed description of its form, texture, and function.
• The "Perspective Shift": Imagine a day in the life of someone you know, but from their perspective. Try to understand their motivations, challenges, and joys.
• The "Unconventional Description": Describe a familiar activity, like making coffee or brushing your teeth, using unconventional language and unexpected metaphors.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Power of Defamiliarization

Making the familiar strange is not just a literary device or an artistic technique; it's a fundamental way of engaging with the world. By actively challenging our assumptions and perceptions, we can cultivate creativity, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of everyday life. It's a constant process of rediscovery, a journey of re-seeing the world with fresh eyes, and a powerful tool for personal growth and creative expression. The act of defamiliarization is a continuous journey, a process of questioning and re-evaluating our perceptions, leading to a richer understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Embracing this technique can unlock a world of new possibilities, insights, and creative potential. The more we practice making the familiar strange, the more we unlock the extraordinary within the ordinary.