Mikhail Bakhtin was a Russian philosopher and literary critic, born in 1895 and known for his influential ideas on language, literature, and culture. He is best recognized for his concepts of dialogism and carnivalesque, which explore how meaning is created through interactions between voices and perspectives in texts. His work emphasizes the importance of context and social dynamics in understanding literature. Bakhtin's theories have had a significant impact on various fields, including literary theory, cultural studies, and philosophy. He argued that language is inherently social and that every utterance is a response to previous ones, highlighting the interconnectedness of communication. His ideas continue to inspire scholars and writers today.