You've probably heard about types of intertextuality, haven't you? Well then, there is a kind of intertextuality called hypertext, element that is usually related to technology. As you read this article, for example, you are probably building a hypertext. He was curious, do you want to know what he is about? Escola Kids will explain this story to you.
When we read some content available on the internet, either to inform us or to do a school project, and we go through countless websites in search of a specific information, we are working with the notion of hypertext, which is nothing more than the result of information obtained through various texts and is formed through the access to links and hyperlinks. When you are reading a certain webpage and click on a hyperlink, you are redirected to another text and, in this movement, you are building an interesting information network.
Hypertext is closely associated with computing, but it can also happen in physical books. When you are reading and suddenly have doubts about a certain word, for example, you can stop reading and seek help from a dictionary or encyclopedia, right? Some books already come with well-known footnotes, which provide auxiliary information about some unusual expression or word. When you look for this explanation, you are also building a hypertext. The difference is that, in digital media, you have access to hypertext instantly, just click on the mouse or a simple touch on the screen and presto, there was no need to leave the place to look for what you wanted to know.
Technological innovations allow us to access different texts anywhere and at any time of day, just be connected to the internet
What about the origin of hypertext? How about knowing a little more?
Who invented this term, hypertext, was an American named Ted Nelson, philosopher, sociologist and pioneer of Information Technology. Back in the sixties, more than fifty years ago, he imagined that one day it would be possible to access electronic texts available through a radically new technology. At that time, Ted Nelson's idea might sound strange and would even serve as a script for a science fiction movie, but time and technological innovations have proven him right! First the computer, then the Internet - which became popular in the 90s - and then the various portable technological supports (tablets, smartphones etc.) that allow us to access such “electronic texts” anywhere and anytime of the day!
Thanks to Nelson's brilliant idea, today's reading processes are more dynamic, allowing the reader to build their reading path in the way that suits them best. At any time, he can change his path and choose new information that best suits what he is looking for. This happens because hypertext allows multiple readings in different directions, proving that reading and writing processes have undergone countless changes throughout history. We, readers, are also building a new relationship with knowledge, which with each passing day is more accessible through the internet. So, take advantage of all the technological resources available to learn and learn more!
By Luana Castro
Graduated in Letters
