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2.4 Characteristics of paratext
Paratext can be described from the perspective a number of characteristics. Genette distinguishes the following characteristics: spatial, temporal, substantial, pragmatic and
functional.
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I will describe in this paragraph these characteristics with reference to Bible translations.
2.4.1 Spatial Paratext can be assigned to various locations:
a. It can be placed in the text. Examples are verse numbers, footnote callers or references to a wordlist.
b. It can be placed in the margin of the text: on the same level of the text, but next to it. Examples are verse numbers and references to related verses in some Bibles.
c. It can be placed on the same page as the text it refers to. Examples are section headings, footnotes and cross-references.
d. It can be placed in the same volume as the text: 1. preceding the text. Examples are a preface and an introduction.
2. after the text. Examples are a glossary and tables of measures and weights. The place a paratextual element has is related to its function.
2.4.2 Temporal The moment certain paratextual elements appear for the first time in Bible editions, or
disappear, varies. With regard to Bible translation, one can refer to the emergence of traditions: paratextual features that appear at a certain moment in Bible editions and that
obtain a permanent place in almost all Bibles. An example of this is the division in chapters
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Genette, Paratexts, 4-13.
14 and verses that – with some variation – has a place in almost every Bible.
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To give another example, a former practice of providing chapter summaries at the beginning of each chapter
has almost disappeared; instead there is nowadays a common practice of providing section headings.
2.4.3 Substantial Paratext can have various forms:
a. It can consist of text itself, for example a footnote or a title. b. It can be graphic, for example an illustration or a map.
c. It can be material. With this I refer to the material shape of the book, for example the color and material of the cover, including the typographical design. A printed
publication communicates something about itself through the quality and the format of the paper that is used for it, through the typeface and type size, the layout, etc.
2.4.4 Pragmatic With regard to the role of paratext in the communication process, there are various aspects to
consider: a. One can look at the source of the paratext: in the case of a Bible translation that can be
the translator or redactor, but also the tradition, for example in case of the verse division.
b. One can also look at the target for the paratext. The paratext can be meant for potential readers, for example the title, or only for the real readers.
c. One can also distinguish between the various types of information that are presented in the paratext: factual, for example the bibliographical information found in the
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An example of an exception is the so-called literary edition of the NBV. In this edition the chapter and verse division is replaced by a summarizing reference at the bottom of the page.
15 colophon, translation justifying, for example textual notes, explanation of the intention
meaning of the text, for example certain illustrations.
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d. One can also distinguish between obligatory paratext and optional paratext. Obligatory is of course the material paratext, but also elements like the legally
required bibliographical information, and the title. Except for the title, the obligatory paratext is editorial.
2.4.5 Functional This is an important aspect. One can give a general description of the function of paratext as
influencing the perception of the reader of the text as intended by the author, translator andor editor. In contrast to the other paratextual characteristics it is not possible to give a formal
description of the functions. The same form can perform different functions:
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for example, the illustrations by Annie Vallotton that emphasize the message of the text which
corresponds to the aimed function of common language translations in which these illustrations were used: reach the modern not church related reader, are in contrast with the
illustrations of Horace Knowles, that are made as visual aids for the reader with factual information.
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In the next section the various functions of paratext will be described in more detail.
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I refer here to the illustrations used in many common language illustrations, made by Annie Vallotton.
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Compare Genette, Paratexts, 12.
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The illustrations of Annie Vallotton were prepared for the Good News Bible: Today’s English VersionGNB, those of Horace Knowles were originally made for the Revised Standard Version RSV.
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2.5 Functions of paratext
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