sivumerkitys

Sivumerkitys, often translated as "side-marking" or "marginalia," refers to any notes, annotations, or drawings made in the margins of a text. These markings can be made by the original author, a previous reader, or a later annotator. Sivumerkitys has a long history, appearing in ancient manuscripts and continuing through printed books to modern digital texts. The content of marginalia can vary widely, from simple underlines or question marks to extensive commentary, critiques, personal reflections, or even doodles.

The purpose of sivumerkitys can be manifold. Readers might use it to clarify difficult passages, record their thoughts and reactions, connect the text to other ideas, or simply to engage more actively with the material. For scholars, marginalia can offer valuable insights into the reception history of a text, revealing how it was understood and interpreted by different readers over time. In some cases, authors themselves have used the margins to add supplementary information, corrections, or even personal messages, making the marginalia an integral part of the work.

The study of sivumerkitys falls under fields such as book history, literary criticism, and the history of reading. It highlights the dynamic relationship between a reader and a text, transforming a passive act of reading into an active dialogue. While traditionally associated with physical books, the concept of marginalia is also relevant in digital environments, where users can add comments or annotations to online articles and documents.