transtekstual

Transtextual is a term coined by theorist Julia Kristeva that refers to the interconnectedness and transformation of texts. It suggests that any text is not an isolated entity but rather is shaped by and shapes other texts. This concept encompasses various ways texts relate to one another, including allusion, quotation, imitation, and parody. Kristeva's work on transtextualité builds upon Ferdinand de Saussure's semiotics, emphasizing the social and cultural dimensions of language and meaning.

The idea of transtextualité is that a text is a "mosaic of quotations" where every text is an absorption and transformation of another. This means that meaning is not inherent to a single text but emerges from the relationship between a text and the broader cultural and literary context in which it exists. Understanding a text involves recognizing its dialogue with other texts, both explicitly and implicitly.

There are several categories within transtextualité. Intertextuality is a prominent aspect, referring to the explicit or implicit references to other texts within a given text. Piracy, the act of borrowing or plagiarizing, is also considered a form of transtextual relationship, albeit often a negative one. Parody, pastiche, and translation are other ways in which texts engage with and transform existing textual material. Ultimately, transtextualité highlights the fluid and dynamic nature of meaning-making in a world saturated with texts.