textaformum

Textaformum is a theoretical framework used in text studies and information science for encoding and analyzing textual form independent of content. It provides a structured representation of form features such as typography, layout, punctuation, stanza boundaries, dialogue blocks, and rhetorical devices, enabling researchers to compare how different texts are constructed.

The term combines texta (from text) with formum (Latin for form). It was proposed in the mid-1990s by scholars at the Institute for Digital Humanities to address challenges in comparing textual forms across genres and languages, rather than focusing solely on wording.

Core concepts include separation of form from content, modular annotations that can be layered on existing texts, and compatibility with existing markup standards. Textaformum emphasizes a lightweight, schema-driven approach in which form features are tagged without altering the original text. It supports hierarchical structures, such as chapters containing sections, stanzas within poems, or blocks of dialogue within scenes.

Encodings in textaformum are designed to be interoperable, enabling form data to be extracted for statistical analysis or visualization while leaving content intact. The framework is commonly described as content-agnostic and extensible, allowing domain-specific extensions.

Typical use cases include digital humanities projects, critical editions, and archival metadata systems, where researchers want to study form patterns, rhythm, or discourse structure. Applications often involve mapping textaformum annotations to TEI, JSON-LD, or other widely used formats.

History and reception have been mixed. Proponents argue that isolating form improves cross-genre comparability, while critics warn of potential redundancy with existing markup schemes and the risk of over-tagging.

See also: Text encoding initiative, XML, TEI, digital humanities, markup language.