Encoding Text and Encoding Texts: Some Reflections on Theory and Practice

Both traditional and digital editing essentially consist of the inputting of text. When the source is a manuscript, this is still a very labour-intensive process, unlikely to be repeated. Scrupulous accuracy in the transference of information is therefore needed, continuing the tradition of diplomatic editions. The editing of texts within kleine Philologien differs from the classical mainstream, because of the different histories both of the traditions and of the texts themselves. For Slavonic, this reflects in particular the predominance of linguistics in early textual studies, and the national variants of the Slavonic language. Digital methods offer a new approach to these problems, principally through the more complete capture of information and greater flexibility in its presentation. Users of digital technology should ensure that their editions are enhanced rather than limited by it