Contextualization

Extratextual reference is a fundamental tool in textual construction, responsible for creating a bridge between the text and the world to which it refers. In other words, extratextual reference is the ability of a text to refer to something outside of itself, opening up the possibility of dialogue with the real world, with other texts, with historical events, with cultural contexts, among others.

Through extratextual references, it is possible to better understand a text, as they expand our repertoire and allow us to see the text from different angles. Furthermore, extratextual reference can be seen as an argumentative strategy, as it can function as a kind of 'ethos builder', meaning it can help build the author's image, giving them authority and credibility.

Finally, extratextual reference is a way to contextualize information, to locate it in a specific space and time, and to connect the reader to a reality with which they are already familiar. It can transport us to other places, immerse us in other times, and make us partake in other stories.

Extratextual reference is a linguistic resource that conveys much of the cultural, social, and historical context of writers, making the text rich and dynamic. In an increasingly globalized world marked by intertextuality, it is essential that we can identify and understand the extratextual references present in media, advertising, journalistic, and literary discourses.

Extratextual references are a fundamental element in literature, cinema, advertising, and daily life. They are present not only in scholarly texts but also in memes, social media posts, and political cartoons. Therefore, learning about extratextual references encourages students to become more engaged with language and to broaden their critical view of the world.

To delve deeper into the topic, it is recommended to read the following resources:

• KOCH, Ingedore Villaça; ELIAS, Vanda Maria. Reading and Understanding: The Meanings of Text. São Paulo: Contexto, 2006.
• MARCUSCHI, Luiz Antônio. Conversation Analysis. São Paulo: Ática, 2003.
• Website of the 'Brazilian Journal of Applied Linguistics' from UFMG, which has several articles on textual referentiality: Brazilian Journal of Applied Linguistics
• Website 'Brasil Escola', which has several articles on referentiality and other topics related to the Portuguese language: Brasil Escola

Practical Activity

Activity Title: 'Extratextual References: Navigating the Waves of Culture'

Project Objective

This project aims to broaden students' understanding of extratextual references, develop their critical analysis skills, expand their cultural repertoires, and enhance their teamwork competencies.

In addition to Portuguese, this activity will integrate the History and Pop Culture discipline, allowing students to apply concepts and practices from these disciplines in a real and tangible context.

Detailed Project Description

Groups should choose, research, and thoroughly analyze a work of Pop Culture (it can be a movie, a series, a book, a song, a meme, a comic book, etc), identifying and explaining the extratextual references present in it. They should then create a presentation in the form of a video, podcast, or infographic where they explain their findings.

Furthermore, groups must produce a detailed written report explaining and justifying their choices and analyses.

Required Materials

• Access to the chosen work (Movie, book, song, etc.)
• Internet access for reference research and presentation material development.
• Video, audio, or graphic editing software, according to the chosen presentation format.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Formation of groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Selection of the Pop Culture work to be analyzed.
3. Watch/read/listen to the chosen work.
4. Research and identification of extratextual references present in the work.
5. Detailed analysis and recording of each identified extratextual reference.
6. Development of the presentation material (video, podcast, or infographic).
7. Writing the report, detailing the identified references and explaining their relevance to the work.
8. Presentation of the material and report submission.

The project is estimated to take more than 12 hours per student to be executed, considering the time for reading/listening/viewing the work, research, discussions, presentation development, and report writing.

Project Deliverables

Students must submit the presentation material (video, podcast, or infographic) along with the written report. The report must follow the requested structure: Introduction (contextualization of the work and the project), Development (detailed explanation of each extratextual reference found, with its relevance to the work and the world to which it refers), Conclusions (what was learned from the project, how this can be applied in the future), and Bibliography.

Through the elaboration and presentation of this project, students will demonstrate their understanding of extratextual references and their role in creating meaning in a text or work. Additionally, they will be able to apply and expand this knowledge in other disciplines and in their own learning experiences.