Literature consists of written productions, often restricted to those deemed to have artistic or intellectual value. Its Latin root
literatura/
litteratura (derived itself from
littera, letter or handwriting) was used to refer to all written accounts, but intertwined with the roman concept of
cultura: learning or cultivation. Literature often uses language differently than ordinary language (see
literariness). Literature can be classified according to whether it is
fiction or
non-fiction and whether it is
poetry or
prose; it can be further distinguished according to major forms such as the
novel,
short story or
drama; and works are often categorised according to historical periods or their adherence to certain
aesthetic features or expectations (
genre).