fuoriscite

Fuoriscite is an Italian term used in media literacy and communication studies to denote quotations presented outside of their original context. The word derives from fuori (outside) and citazione (citation). In practice, fuoriscite refers to instances where a quotation is excerpted, taken out of context, or selectively highlighted in a way that can alter its meaning, sometimes through truncation or emphasis on a particular fragment.

The concept is commonly discussed in relation to misinformation, journalism, and political communication, particularly in the era of social media where quotes circulate rapidly. Fuoriscite can be intentional, such as quote-mining or selective quoting aimed at supporting a claim, or unintentional, arising from editing for brevity or clarity. It encompasses both misquotations and quotes that are technically accurate but misleading due to surrounding context being omitted.

In practice, recognizing fuoriscite involves examining sources, seeking full quotes, and considering the broader argument or evidence presented. Fact-checkers, editors, and researchers use the concept to highlight the importance of context in evaluating statements and to promote more accurate attribution.

Critics note that the term can be applied with varying rigor and may sometimes conflate legitimate editing with misleading practice. Debates often focus on where lines should be drawn between concise quotation and deliberate misrepresentation. Related concepts include misquotation, out-of-context quotes, and quote mining.