quotational

Quotational refers to anything related to or characterized by quotation. In literature and discourse, quotational practices involve the use of exact passages from other texts or spoken words, typically enclosed in quotation marks. This can serve various purposes, such as providing evidence, illustrating a point, attributing ideas, or adding stylistic flair. The act of quoting itself is a quotational activity, and the resulting text is a quotation.

In academic writing, proper quotational techniques are essential for avoiding plagiarism and giving credit to original sources. This includes citing the source of the quotation accurately, often with page numbers or other identifying information. Different citation styles offer specific guidelines for formatting quotations.

Beyond academic contexts, quotational elements appear in everyday language. For instance, a person might say "He was very quotational today," meaning he frequently used phrases or sayings from other sources. The term can also describe a style or manner that relies heavily on borrowing or referencing existing material, whether it be literary, artistic, or even musical. This reliance on external sources defines the quotational nature of the work. The effectiveness of quotational elements often depends on their relevance and how well they are integrated into the new context.