How to Use
the Old English Aerobics Reader
The Reader is divided into two frames, thus:
The top frame displays the text. You can get information about this text by clicking on words, clauses and other elements. You choose the kind of element you want to look up by making a selection in the "Look Up" list to the left of the frame, and the information is displayed in the bottom frame. For example, when you select "words" in the "Look Up" list, clicking on a word (e.g. bebēad as in the illustration) displays a glossary entry and information about that particular instance of the word. This information will typically include the definition(s) most appropriate in this context and information concerning the word's grammar. Notice that the mouse pointer turns into a crosshair and the word is highlighted whenever information is available.
For some texts, information about clauses is also available. When you have selected "clauses," each clause is highlighted as you pass the mouse pointer over it. Clicking anywhere in the clause will display information about it in the information frame.
An "idiom" is a construction that might be confusing if its words were looked up individually. Idioms are always displayed in red; you can get a translation of an idiom by clicking on it while "idioms" is selected.
Words and passages for which annotations are available are highlighted in blue. Clicking on these passages displays a note in the information frame. These blue "links" differ from ordinary hyperlinks in that they work only while "notes" is selected. Note, however, that the links in the "Links" menu (at the top left of the screen), and any links you encounter in annotations, will work at any time.
Several readings are accompanied by sound files. To hear the entire text read, click the "Read Aloud" link at the top if the page. To hear any passage, select "sounds" (you will see the selection only if audio is available) and click on the passage just as you would click on a word, clause or idiom.
The "Print" link opens a printer-friendly version of the text. Note, however, that most browsers currently print Old English text poorly. See System Requirements for details.