Referoitua

Referoitua is a term used in Finnish media studies and linguistics to describe content that has been paraphrased or summarized from a source, rather than quoted verbatim. It stems from the Finnish verb referoida, to paraphrase or summarize, with the participial form -oitua yielding a nominal or adjectival sense of "being paraphrased" or "paraphrased content." In written work, referoitua material is typically distinguished from direct quotes by changes in wording, sentence structure, or length, while noting the original source.

In practice, referoitua content appears in academic syntheses, journalism, and online summaries, where authors condense the meaning of sources. The concept is used to discuss fidelity to the original meaning, potential bias, and attribution. Good practice involves clear citation and, when necessary, explicit indication that the text is paraphrased.

Critics point out that paraphrase can unintentionally distort nuance, alter emphasis, or obscure complexity, making the term a useful descriptor for evaluating source handling. Proponents argue that paraphrase is essential for readability and synthesis, provided it remains faithful in substance and properly attributed. The term is less common in everyday Finnish than related terms like referointi or paraphrase, and its precise usage varies across disciplines. It is sometimes encountered in discussions of academic integrity, media literacy, and text analysis.

See also: paraphrase, quotation, citation, summarization.