escritaescrita

Escritaescrita is a neologism used in Lusophone literary theory to describe a self-referential approach to writing that foregrounds the act of writing itself. The term signals attention to the material conditions of text production—how words are chosen, arranged, and mediated—rather than only what they describe.

The term is a compound formed by repeating the Portuguese word escrita (writing) to stress reflexivity. It appears in discussions of metafiction, autofiction, and experimental prose within Brazilian, Portuguese, and other Portuguese-language contexts. There is no universally accepted definition, and its use varies among critics.

Typical features include narrator or authorial presence that comments on composition, embedded notes or marginalia, deliberate interruptions, and typographic or layout experiments. Escritaescrita tends to treat writing as a process in progress, inviting readers to reflect on the act of making text, not only its meanings.

Relation to other concepts: It relates to metafiction, autofiction, and experimental writing but remains distinct in its emphasis on the mechanics, constraints, and choices involved in writing itself.

Reception and criticism: Supporters argue the approach exposes power relations, authorial voice, and literacy practices; critics warn that overt self-reflexivity can impede readability or appear self-indulgent if not carefully executed.

See also: metafiction, autofiction, experimental literature.