bokstavlig

Bokstavlig is an adjective used in Swedish and Norwegian to describe interpretation or meaning that adheres to the words’ primary, conventional sense rather than to figurative, metaphorical, or symbolic meaning. It signifies a “letter-for-letter” or literal reading of a text. The term derives from bokstav, meaning “letter,” with the suffix -lig meaning “like” or “related to.”

In linguistic and philosophical contexts, bokstavlig is used to distinguish readings that take words at their obvious sense from those that rely on metaphor, idiom, or allegory. In literary analysis, a bokstavlig reading might focus on explicit statements and factual details, whereas a figurativ or metaphorical reading would explore implied meaning, tone, or symbolism. In religious studies, the phrase bokstavlig tro refers to belief in the literal truth of scriptures, as opposed to allegorical or symbolic interpretations.

Etymologically, bokstavlig combines bokstav (letter) with the adjectival suffix -lig. The concept has parallels in other Germanic languages and is commonly discussed in contrast with terms such as metaphorical, figurative, or symbolic interpretation. Usage can vary by domain and language variety, with some contexts emphasizing a strict literal approach and others treating literal reading as one possible, but not exclusive, mode of interpretation.

See also: literal, literalism, figurative language, metaphor, allegory, textual interpretation.