What is a "shell"

A shell is the basis of a shell book or other reading materials that is prepared for use in more than one dialect or language. It is usually prepared and stored electronically.

It has certain elements which are not language-specific already determined and in place:

• Illustrations
• Page numbers
• Blank spaces for text
• Page layout
• Text formatting

Appropriate text in any language can then be inserted in the blank text spaces.

• Electronic shells which are stored as computer files. Text is added directly to a computer copy of the shell before the completed pages are printed.
• Shells which are stored as printing plates for use with the offset press or digital duplicator.

• Preprinted shells which are uncut, unbound paper copies of pages to which the text must be added by hand or mechanically, such as with a

  • typewriter
  • silk-screen printer
  • mimeograph machine
  • photocopy machine, or
  • computer and printer.

For more technical information,

Here is a diagram of a shell and an example of a shell book:

• Shell book example

• Cummings 1992

• Concept module: shell
• In overview module: Glossary (Literacy): S
• In modular book: Glossary of literacy terms
• In document collection: Reference materials
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 25 October 1999

© 1999 SIL International