originaltext

Originaltext is a non-standard label used in several domains to denote the unmodified or source form of a text. It is not a fixed concept and its precise meaning varies by context, but it generally refers to content before edits, translations, or other transformations.

In computing and data management, originaltext may refer to the initial string or document captured before processing such as formatting, parsing, or normalization. It is often kept in a separate field to preserve the original content for auditing or reverse applying changes.

In publishing and copyright, the original text is the version created by the author or publisher before revisions. Preserving or identifying the original text supports attribution, licensing, and historical analysis.

In translation and natural language processing, the original text serves as the source material from which translations and annotations are derived. Maintaining a reference to the original text aids traceability and quality control.

In archives and digital humanities, provenance metadata commonly records the original text alongside records of edits, digitization, or transcription, helping to establish authenticity and scholarly reliability.

Example: The editor compared the edited manuscript with the originaltext to confirm that no substantive changes had been introduced.