Contextualization

In this project, we will explore a fundamental concept in literature and everyday discourse: "Extratextual Reference". The term may seem intimidating at first, but you have probably encountered this idea many times, even without realizing it.

Extratextual reference is a resource used to refer to a concept, place, event, character, among others, that is not present in the text but is known by the interlocutor or reader. In other words, the text mentions something that requires prior knowledge of context and culture to be fully understood. This is a widely used resource in various forms of communication and is essential for building a rich and contextualized discussion.

This concept is widely used in all forms of literature (novels, journalism, poetry, etc.), but also in television, movies, music, and even in our daily conversations. Understanding the role and function of extratextual reference can transform the way we read, interpret, and produce discourses.

Extratextual reference is a key element in social representations, as it allows us to approach and critically analyze how discourse is constructed and how ideas are communicated and interpreted. This leads us to a deeper understanding of how our society and culture operate.

Introduction

The power of extratextual reference lies in its ability to evoke contexts and ideas that enhance the reading of a text and make the discourse richer and more complex. When a writer, for example, makes reference to a historical event, he is inviting the reader to bring their knowledge about that event to the reading of the text. This can add layers of meaning and resonance to what is being read.

This concept is even more relevant today, in times of an increasingly globalized society. Faced with so much information and cultural references coming from all over the world, extratextual references are a way to enrich the discourse and establish connections between different cultures, ideas, and experiences.

In this project, we will explore the concept of extratextual reference through a practical activity, analyzing and identifying this resource in different media examples. We will also discuss the implications and importance of this resource in contemporary discourse, expanding our skills in analysis, interpretation, and critical intervention in reality.

To delve deeper into the topic, I suggest the following resources:

• Book: "Texts and Discourses: a semiotic perspective" by Dominique Maingueneau.
• What is reference and co-reference? (Youtube Video)
• Extratextual reference in narrative (Scientific Article)

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Extratextual References: The Art of Context"

Project Objective:

Students should be able to identify and analyze the use of extratextual references in different forms of media. Additionally, students should be able to articulate the importance and impact of these references in constructing discourse and understanding the audience.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people, and each group will receive 3 different forms of media (a movie video, a newspaper article, and a song, for example) that have evident extratextual references.

Each group should analyze the extratextual references present in these media, identify them, explain the context of the references, and discuss the impact of these references on the audience's understanding of the message conveyed.

Students should use online resources to research the context of the references found and understand how these references affect the way the audience perceives and interprets the message.

Required Materials:

• Internet access for research;
• The media (videos, articles, songs, etc.) with extratextual references to be analyzed.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Division of students into groups of 3 to 5 people;
2. Delivery of media to each group;
3. Each group must analyze the media, identify the extratextual references, and research their context;
4. Discussion within the groups about the impact of the references found on the understanding of the conveyed message;
5. Preparation of a presentation demonstrating the research conducted, the references found, their contexts, and the discussion on their impacts;
6. Presentation to the class, followed by a debate.

Each group should produce a report that includes:

Introduction

• Description of the extratextual reference concept;
• The relevance of the concept in contemporary communication;
• The project's objective.

Development

• Detailed description of the analysis conducted, including: the analyzed media, the identified extratextual references, the context of the references, and the impact on the understanding of the conveyed message;
• Discussion on how the project deepened students' understanding of the extratextual reference concept;
• Details of the methodology used for analysis and research.

Conclusion

• Reflection on the importance of knowing the extratextual reference concept for interpreting texts and discourses;
• Discussion on the learning obtained from the activity;
• Connect the activity's findings with the theoretical concept of extratextual reference and discuss what this activity revealed about how extratextual references are used to communicate ideas.

Bibliography

• List of reference materials used for research.

The final report should be approximately 1000 to 1500 words and must be submitted in a digital document format. The submission deadline will be one week after the introduction of the activity.