ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-DEP1-0004 · ATLAS 251

Boustrophedon

A historical writing direction in which successive lines run alternately in opposite directions.

Explanation

A historical writing direction in which successive lines run alternately in opposite directions. Turns reading into a bodily pendular movement and shows that even the direction of thought is culturally designed.

Example

One line runs rightward and the next returns leftward.

Counterexample

A mere label without the described formal or conceptual movement.

Distinction

Distinguish from Schreibrichtung; the neighbouring concept remains connected as a crossway.

Effect on thought and perception

Turns reading into a bodily pendular movement and shows that even the direction of thought is culturally designed.

Resonance

Turns reading into a bodily pendular movement and shows that even the direction of thought is culturally designed.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Boustrophedon“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-DEP1-0004. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-DEP1-0004

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-DEP1-0004

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