arvustustena

Arvustustena is a term used in Estonian-language criticism to describe the practice of presenting critique as an evaluative stance within a review. It refers to the critic's position and framework shaping judgments, rather than a neutral recital of facts.

The word combines arvustus (review) with a suffix that marks function or role; arvustustena thus roughly translates as “in the capacity of a review” or “as a review.” The form signals that the text is operating from a particular evaluative perspective rather than reporting objective statements alone.

Usage of the concept appears mainly in scholarly discussions of criticism and media literacy. Arvustustena is described as a mode in which the critic foregrounds evaluative criteria, situates judgments within the work’s context, and makes value judgments a central feature of the text rather than treating them as side observations.

Characteristics of arvustustena-centered reviews often include explicit criteria related to the work’s craft—such as structure, style, originality, or interpretation—and a deliberate weaving together description and evaluation. This approach aims to render the reviewer’s stance transparent, allowing readers to understand the basis for judgments and their applicability to related works.

Reception among critics is mixed. Supporters argue that arvustustena enhances reader orientation and accountability by making evaluative assumptions explicit. Critics counter that it can blur factual reporting and increase the potential for subjective bias if criteria are unclear or inconsistently applied. Related concepts include arvustus (review) and kriitika (criticism) in discussions of judgment and interpretation in criticism.