intertextuality
/ˌɪn.təˌtek.stʃuˈæl.ə.ti/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The way one text refers to, copies, changes, or responds to other texts. It is common in literature, film, and media studies.
- The novel's intertextuality makes it rich and layered.
- The film uses intertextuality to echo famous scenes.
- She studied intertextuality in modern poetry.
Adinary Nuance
Intertextuality is broader than a simple reference or quote. A text can be intertextual even when it only echoes style, ideas, or structure from another work. Writers use it when they want readers to notice the connection, not just the story.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tính liên văn bản
- Spanish
- intertextualidad
- Chinese
- 互文性
- Japanese
- 間テクスト性
- Korean
- 상호텍스트성
Etymology
Intertextuality comes from Latin inter- meaning "between" and text, with the modern term developed in literary theory in the 1960s.
Common phrases
themes of intertextualityrich in intertextualitya study of intertextualityintertextual connections
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is intertextuality a common word?
- It is common in academic writing, especially literature, media, and cultural studies.
- What is the difference between intertextuality and allusion?
- An allusion is one reference. Intertextuality is the wider pattern of connections between texts.
- Is intertextuality formal?
- Yes. It is a formal academic word, used mostly in essays and analysis.
- How do I use intertextuality in a sentence?
- You can say, 'The essay explores intertextuality in the poem.'