Nykäysviittaus

Nykäysviittaus, known in English as a "jerk citation" or sometimes a "sudden citation," is a stylistic and often humorous element found in some Finnish literature, particularly in satirical or avant-garde works. It refers to the abrupt and seemingly unmotivated inclusion of a citation within a text that does not obviously require one or where the citation's relevance is obscure or ironic.

The effect of a nykäysviittaus is to disrupt the flow of the narrative or argument, creating a moment of surprise or confusion for the reader. It can serve various purposes, including parodying academic or scholarly writing, highlighting the arbitrary nature of certain references, or simply adding an element of absurdity. The citation itself might be real or fabricated, but its placement is key to the technique.

Authors employing nykäysviittaus often do so to challenge conventional literary expectations and engage the reader in a more active interpretative role. The reader is left to ponder the meaning or intention behind the citation, often finding none in a traditional sense, but rather an artistic statement about the text itself or the act of writing. This technique is not limited to purely fictional works and can appear in essays or even manifestos aiming for a particular stylistic effect. It is a subtle yet distinct literary device that rewards attentive reading.