huwen

Huwen (互文), often rendered in English as intertextuality, is a term in Chinese literary criticism describing how texts relate to one another through allusions, quotations, or echoing of motifs. The idea emphasizes that meaning arises not only from a single work but from its connections to other texts and cultural artifacts.

In scholarly use, huwen analyzes how authors frame new works within a literary tradition by referencing earlier writings, myths, or historical records. Techniques include explicit quotation, indirect allusion, or reworking familiar narratives. Intertextual relations can affect interpretation, authority, and the transmission of cultural memory.

Beyond criticism, "huwen" also appears as a personal name or in place or brand names when chosen characters convey particular meanings related to culture, writing, or literature. The exact characters used can alter the name's connotations and pronunciation in different Chinese dialects.

The concept shares connections with the broader idea of intertextuality found in many literary traditions and is used across disciplines including literary studies, film theory, and media studies to examine cultural dialogue.