[B-Greek] Defining Terms

Barry Hofstetter nebarry at verizon.net
Wed Feb 23 06:53:21 EST 2005


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Matt Gumm" <mattgumm at yahoo.com>
To: <b-greek at lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2005 11:38 PM
Subject: [B-Greek] Defining Terms


> What is the difference (if any) between an
> "interlinear" text and a "parallel" text?  I've seen
> many statements (both on this list and elsewhere on
> the web) discouraging the use of interlinear texts by
> those trying to learn Greek.  Are these two terms the
> same, or is there some difference?

Interlinear means literally "between the lines," and that's where the Greek text 
is placed, with the vocabulary word directly above or below the Greek word it 
translates (although I once found some Latin interlinears of Cicero...).

Parallel usually means side-by-side columns.

Interlinears are especially bad, but even parallel texts are less than helpful 
for the beginner.  The words "crutch" and "pony" are often associated with such 
texts.  Flee them, and learn thou thy Greek with integrity!

N.E. Barry Hofstetter
Adjunct Faculty, The Center for Urban Theological Studies
         Philadelphia, PA
http://www.cuts.edu
Visiting Faculty, Reformed Theological Seminary
         Washington, D.C.
http://www.rts.edu/campuses/washington_dc/index.cfm

And me:
http://mysite.verizon.net/nebarry/

Opinions expressed by author of this message do not necessarily reflect the 
opinions of the institutions listed above...




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