Rescrierii

Rescrierii is a Romanian term that translates to “rewriting” and is used in literary, linguistic and legal contexts to denote the process of revising, adapting or re‑interpreting an existing text. In literature, the concept gained prominence during the late 20th century, when Romanian authors began to engage in intertextual practices that involved the transformation of classic works, folklore, and historical documents. This movement was often linked to the broader post‑communist cultural re‑evaluation, as writers sought to reclaim narratives that had been censored or altered under previous regimes.

In linguistic studies, rescrierii refers to the systematic modification of language structures within a text to reflect contemporary usage, dialectal variation or authorial style. It is distinguished from simple editing by its emphasis on substantive re‑construction rather than correction of errors. Scholars of translation studies cite rescrierii as a key mechanism through which texts acquire new meanings across cultural boundaries.

Within Romanian law, the term is applied to the formal amendment of statutory provisions, especially when legislative bodies rewrite sections of civil or criminal codes to align with evolving societal norms. The process is governed by procedural rules that require public consultation and parliamentary approval.

Critics of extensive rescrierii argue that excessive alteration can obscure original intent, whether in literary works, linguistic corpora or legal documents. Proponents counter that the practice is essential for keeping texts relevant and accessible to modern audiences. The balance between preservation and adaptation continues to shape debates across Romania’s cultural and institutional fields.