Interlinear is a slang, slang word. It can often be heard among schoolchildren or students, in circles close to the library or book industry in general. What is the meaning? Let's try to find out.
Value 1. Link (footnote)
To begin with, it is worth noting that this word has several meanings. Let's start with the not very popular: interlinear is one of the types of bibliographic (sometimes other) references in the literature. In addition to intertext, there are several others.
Those in question are called subscripts, colloquially known as “footnotes”. Such links are usually located at the bottom of the page under the line.
Meaning 2. Type of translation
The meaning of the word “interlinear” is most commonly used in a different context: when we talk about the type of translation, or about the text translated in this way. In this case, under each line or under each word in a foreign language there is a corresponding translation in Russian (or any other translation language).
Pros and Cons of Interlinear Translation
Undoubtedly, if the creators of the translation prefer this particular type of work, you should know that he has his own specificity, his own perception. Nevertheless, it still remains quite unpopular, which means that there are its drawbacks.
Of the positive qualities, it is worth noting that with such a translation, trying to most accurately convey the meaning of the source text being processed, one should be very attentive to details, because the author of the translation will no longer be able to miss an uncomfortable, unacceptable word.
In addition, such a translation is often convenient and useful for beginners to learn a language: many words are remembered more easily, and the meaning of the text is understood in parallel with its reading.
Of the minuses, it is impossible not to point out that many aesthetic qualities of the original are lost during such a translation. For example, when translating a poetic text in an artistic way, you can still try to preserve the rhyme, the verse size. And in prose works it is sometimes possible to catch a certain rhythm, which is worth conveying in foreign adaptations.
However, the interlinear is something that strictly deprives us of such an opportunity: any rhyme will be lost without a trace. The translation of an idiom, any figurative, metaphorical expression, also seems doubtful. For example, the phrases “eat a dog in this (case)”, “beat the bacilli” in the literal translation into English or German will not be understood by the speakers of these languages.