Contextualization

Theoretical Introduction

Intertextuality is a concept that refers to the interdependence relationship that exists between diverse texts, whether through dialogues, quotations, references, parodies, and other mechanisms. It is a phenomenon present in all forms of communication, always having a preceding 'text' that influences another in a complex network of references.

Intertextuality is present in many aspects of daily life, from music, movies, soap operas, to poems, short stories, cartoons, etc. It contributes to the construction of meanings in texts, allowing a greater understanding of them through elements that refer to other texts. This concept was developed by the literary theorist Julia Kristeva in 1966 and is widely used in literature, cinema, visual arts, and digital media.

Types of intertextuality can be explicit, when the relationship between texts is visible and clear, or implicit, when this relationship needs to be unveiled by the interlocutor. Among the most common types are quotation, allusion, paraphrase, parody, among others.

Contextualization

Intertextuality is an important concept as it stimulates critical thinking, interpretation, and understanding of texts and artistic and literary manifestations. It allows us to understand the complexity and richness of the cultural and historical connections present in textual productions.

Currently, in the digital world, intertextuality is also present. Memes, viral videos, and social media posts often make references to other texts or cultural contexts. Therefore, familiarizing oneself with the concept of intertextuality is essential for a critical and conscious reading of the world around us.

Activity

Activity Title: 'Intertextuality in Practice: Analysis and Creation'

Project Objective:

This project aims to analyze and create an original intertextual work based on a pre-selected set of different texts and literary genres. By the end of the project, students should be able to identify and understand how intertextuality mechanisms work and also create their own intertextual work.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 participants. Each group will receive a set of texts that may vary from short stories, songs, poems, cartoons, advertisements, excerpts from soap operas or movies, etc. The texts will be pre-selected by the teacher and will have the characteristic presence of prominent intertextuality mechanisms.

The mission of the students will be:

1. Analysis: Students must read, watch, and/or listen carefully to the received texts and identify the intertextuality mechanisms present in each one. They should record their observations and analyses, indicating which texts 'dialogue' with each other and what effects this relationship has on the construction of meaning. This stage should involve research, collective discussion, and theoretical deepening.

2. Creation: After the analysis, students must create an original text (poem, short story, video script, cartoon, etc.) that dialogues with the studied texts. The new work must creatively use intertextuality mechanisms and demonstrate an understanding of the theme.

Required Materials:

• Texts selected by the teacher.
• Note-taking materials: notebooks, pens, computers, etc.
• Materials for creating the new work: sheets of paper, pencils, paints, editing software, among others, depending on the nature of the work to be created.

Step-by-Step:

1. Form groups and distribute the selected texts.
2. Perform an initial reading of the texts and a preliminary discussion about the possible intertextual relationships.
3. Research and deepen the understanding of the texts and their intertextual relationship.
4. Record the observations and analyses made, indicating the intertextual relationships present and how they contribute to the construction of meaning in the texts.
5. Create a new work that uses intertextuality, dialoguing with the studied texts.
6. Write a report following the topics: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

Project Deliverables:

1. Written report detailing the analysis and creation process of the original work. The report should clearly explain the students' conclusions about intertextuality in the studied texts, the choice and development of the new work, and how it intertextually relates to the other texts. This individual report should follow the structure: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used.
2. Presentation of the new intertextual work (depending on the nature of the work, it can be a reading, exhibition, performance, etc.).
3. In-class discussion about the presented works, considering the intertextual analyses and creativity in the new production.