What is a foreword?
Correct answer to the quiz question
Preliminary remark of a text
A preface is an introductory remark or foreword to a text or book. It serves to prepare the reader for the content that follows and to provide context or background information. The foreword is often written by a person who has a special relationship with the subject of the text or the author. Functions of […]
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Detailed answer to the quiz question
A preface is an introductory remark or foreword to a text or book. It serves to prepare the reader for the content that follows and to provide context or background information. The foreword is often written by a person who has a special relationship with the subject of the text or the author.
Functions of a preface
- Introduction to the topic: The foreword introduces the topic of the text and provides an overview of the content covered.
- Contextualization: It provides background information that helps the reader to better understand the text and can explain historical, social or personal contexts.
- Honoring the author: The foreword often pays tribute to the author of the text, highlighting his or her work and contribution to the topic.
- Motivation to read: The foreword should arouse the reader’s interest and motivate them to read the entire text.
Structure of a preface
- Greeting: The author of the foreword welcomes the reader and introduces them to the text.
- Overview: The following is a brief overview of the topic and the main points of the text.
- Context: The author provides background information that is important for understanding the text.
- Personal remarks: The foreword often contains personal comments or experiences of the author in relation to the topic or the author.
- Concluding remarks: The foreword ends with a concluding remark or a wish for the reader.
Examples of prefaces
- Literary works: In the case of novels or books of poetry, a well-known writer or literary critic often writes the foreword.
- Non-fiction books: An expert in the respective field can write the foreword to emphasize the relevance and contribution of the book.
- Biographies: A close friend or family member of the biographed person can write the foreword and provide personal insights.
Difference to foreword and introduction
- Foreword: A foreword is usually written by the author himself and contains information about the history of the text and the author’s motivation.
- Introduction: An introduction goes into more detail about the content of the text and prepares the reader specifically for the reading.
A foreword is therefore an important preliminary remark that prepares the reader for the text and provides valuable information and insights.
