[B-Greek] Re: Defining Terms

Steve Puluka steve at puluka.com
Wed Feb 23 06:57:36 EST 2005


Matt Gumm wrote:

> 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?

Matt,

An interlinear has the original language text with an English gloss 
under each word.  The parallel text has multiple columns with the 
original language in one and translation(s) in the others for reference. 
  There are also books that do both, have an interlinear gloss with a 
parallel translation too.

An interlinear is not recomended because this makes learning vocabulary 
much harder.  You see the English word right there with the Greek and 
don't have a chance for your mind to work it out.  With a parallel text 
it is easier to cover or block out the English until you really need the 
help.  The basic idea is for your reading to reinforce your memorization 
of words by giving you a chance to recognize the forms first then check 
your work.

You can acheive the same result using a real Greek text and your own 
Bible almost as easily.

-- 
Steve Puluka
Masters Student, SS Cyril & Methodius Seminary
Cantor, Holy Ghost Church, Mckees Rocks PA
http://www.puluka.com




More information about the B-Greek mailing list