Slovenska Literatura (Feb 2012)
On contemporary Latin-Slovak editions
Abstract
The aim of the article is to point to the importance of editions in scientific work. Building on recent Slovak as well as foreign re-editions of Latin works, the author draws up a neat list of text transcription principles, deals with requirements for the editor´s foreword, bibliography, references, book index and translation. Since the editions of the complete works by Martin Rakovský or Juraj Koppay (M. Okál; Bratislava : Veda, 1974 or 1980) established a high scientific standard, the author suggests adopting the parameters in future editions just as it is done in the Scrinium latino-slovacum series. The editor´s contribution should be made by structuring the text, while the punctuation principles (original vs modern) are still an issue. The indexes of intertextual relations require a lot of professional experience and expertise. A Slovak translation should be rather conservative, verse texts need to be translated by analogical poem types, as most of verse texts have no dogmatic character. The editor´s foreword should be written in Latin rather than contemporary international langauges. The high standard of future editions can only be guaranteed by joining forces. Ignoring the editions in the rating system based on scientometric criteria is unacceptable.
