bifocal bitext can help you learn languages.. when you need translations you can see them, but they're not all up in your face if you don't..

bifocal bitext separates a TEXT into distinct chunks, enabling a reader to compare units of TEXT with corresponding translations

chunk

a chunk of TEXT or translation is a complete unit of meaning, and may vary in size from a single syllable to a full page of text:

parallel text

language learners often use parallel text presentation, which typically offer a TEXT on on one page and a corresponding translation on the opposite or facing page.

bitext

bitext is a twin text presentation, where a TEXT and associated translation are aligned, typically in sentence for sentence chunks.. twext formats bitext in variable chunks.

bifocal

bifocal styling of bitext formats forces a reader to refocus to gather translation information, thus:

1. reader easily focuses on TEXT to learn
2. reader is not distracted by translation
3. translation info is available if needed
4. but it's a pain to refocus so
5. reader tends to learn the chunk of TEXT

separate focal planes

separation of focal planes is mostly achieved by light or faint density of translation relative to TEXT.. variable font sizes also effect the focal separation..

variable bifocality

likely to be known translations can be more faintly styled than other translations that are likely to be unknown

purpose

bifocal bitext is designed to help us learn languages by providing meaningful comprehensible input

problem: language students using bitext tend to just read the translation, rather than learn the new TEXT.

solution: bifocal bitext styles translations almost invisibly, thus providing information, but at a cost of effort..

it kinda hurts to read the twext, so it's easier just to learn the TEXT