Interpolation (manuscripts)

Interpolation (from the Latin interpolatio to interpolar " remodel, distort, garble " ) is a technical term of philological textual criticism and called the resulting in the passing of a text extension of this text by words, phrases or sections of alien hand that is not the original text matter or text of the template include.

The author of this modification is called interpolator and the interpolated ( inserted ) the text itself as well as the process of insertion as interpolation.

Interpolations can be caused by oversight or negligence by explanatory additions such as marginal or interlinear glosses are taken at the copy in the text and in this case no longer remain recognizable as additives. Or they are created by specific processing of the given text. This can be to make the text for the current reception better understood or to expand it the intention. Such an extension can either build on existing statements and expand the text in this way and perpetuate each - or serve the purpose of adulteration.

The duties of the philological textual criticism involves clarifying the tradition of conditions and the restoration of the original version as closely as possible. Through critical analysis of language, style and content interpolations can be uncovered. The purpose of the comparison with the other textual witnesses, if any, or other sources that can prove to a suspicious passage as a later addition.

• Literature