Ekzempla

Ekzempla is a term used in several disciplines to denote exemplary cases or model instances that illustrate a rule, principle, or phenomenon. The meaning and scope of ekzempla vary by field, but common elements are selection, representativeness, and a didactic purpose.

Etymology and usage of the term vary by language and tradition. The form ekzempla is often described as a loan or orthographic variant of the Latin exempla, adapted in some languages to emphasize a classical or pedagogical tone. In historical and academic writings, ekzempla sometimes appears as a stylized plural for example sets or curated collections of illustrations.

In linguistics and language pedagogy, ekzempla refer to curated sets of representative sentences or phrases that demonstrate a grammatical rule or phonological pattern. These exempla help learners observe consistent behavior across contexts. For example, a linguistics ekzempla set illustrating noun-adjective agreement might include sentences that contrast gender and number: “the small cat” vs. “the small cats.”

In philosophy and logic, ekzempla are paradigmatic cases used to illuminate concepts, test arguments, or reveal limitations. They may function as thought experiments or counterexamples that clarify theoretical boundaries.

In education and digital humanities, ekzempla are often compiled into databases or textbook sections labeled as illustrative examples. Editors may use the term to signal intentional selection rather than comprehensive coverage, with the understanding that ekzempla are trusted as instructive models. The exact definition remains context-dependent and varies by discipline.