This text serves as an introduction to the special issue of the journal “Diacrítica” titled “Textual Heritage: Interdisciplinary Approaches”. This special issue focuses on the theme of textual heritage in the Portuguese language and aims to foster a specialised approach in the fields of literary, linguistic, cultural, aesthetic, and philosophical studies, with special emphasis on the areas of philology and textual criticism.
This text introduces the concept of textual heritage and analyzes different types of text editing, including facsimile, paleographic, semi-diplomatic, critical, and interpretative editions. It emphasizes the importance of preserving and making old texts accessible, with examples of influential figures in this field.
Additionally, the introduction discusses the controversies and enrichment of the scientific debate resulting from different approaches to editing and interpreting textual heritage. It also explores the development of abbreviations and the importance of accurate transcription to ensure fidelity to the original text are. These practices are essential for the conservation of cultural heritage and the accessibility of old texts.
