Every text is a hypertext, but some are more hypertexts than others: reflections on the hypertext and the use of digital dictionaries in language teaching/learning

Abstract

This article presents a reflection about hypertext, which references mainly some aspects of Linguistics and Information Technology. Two different approaches, although antagonistic towards each other, are considered here to analyze the hypertext as a theoretical concept. The first is held by authors who advocate hypertext as being a metaphor of thought. The other view, which is held by Information Technology enthusiasts, is in favor of the development offered by digital technologies in the production of such textuality recognized as hypertext. The point of confluence of these theoretical frameworks is provided here in order to inter-relate such approaches with hypertextuality and the use of digital dictionaries.