Ettekirjutust

Ettekirjutust is a term used in Estonian-language publishing to refer to a short introductory writing that precedes the main text of a work. It appears in books, articles, theses, and sometimes in legal documents, and it serves to orient readers, specify the scope and purpose, and indicate the author’s or editor’s stance before the substantive content begins.

Etymology and meaning: The word combines ette- meaning before with kirjutus, writing or script. In practice, ettekirjutust denotes the preliminary commentary that frames a text rather than the body of the argument itself.

Function and content: An ettekirjutust may outline the work’s aims and scope, acknowledge contributors, describe methods or sources, and provide disclaimers or contextual notes. It is typically written by the author or editor and appears in the front matter. The tone is neutral, factual, and non-interpretive, leaving the main analysis for the following sections.

Context and use: In literary publishing, it resembles a foreword or preface, though it is often shorter and more technical. In academic or legal texts, it may frame methodology, definitions, or policy context without engaging in argumentation.

Relation to broader terms: Ettekirjutust is related to foreword, preface, and preamble in other languages, but its usage and conventions differ by discipline and publisher, resulting in a distinct front-matter category within Estonian texts.