Math Symbols: BF vs. EBAE

[Chris Clemens]

The following question will be posted to both the Braille Formats and the Literary page so we can get feedback as appropriate.

We have a couple of questions concerning mathematical symbols and the new Braille Formats 2011 and would appreciate your insight. The mathematical symbols in Appendix G of Braille Formats 2011 does not address spacing, the use of the dot 4, etc. like its predecessor Braille Formats 1997 does/did. The following disclaimer found in the BANA Braille Codes Update 2007 on p. F2 leads us to believe that these symbols and their guidelines will be in the upcoming edition of EBAE:
“In the upcoming new versions of English Braille, American Edition, 1994: Revised 2002
(EBAE) and Braille Formats: Principles of Print to Braille Transcription, 1997 (BF)
there will be a structural change in responsibilities. EBAE will have the responsibility for
the formation and use of signs, symbols, and indicators. BF will have the responsibility of
assigning print-to-braille formats.”

1) Is that correct?
2) Do you have an idea as to when the new revision of EBAE will be complete?
3) Lastly, we are following Braille Formats 2011. What rules/guidelines would you suggest we use for mathematical symbols i.e., spacing, dot 4, etc.?
Thank you so much for your help.

[Chris Clemens]

Is there a question here? I'm having difficulty finding it.

See the BANA press release on 2011 Formats, which can be found at the BANA website http://www.brailleauthority.org. It states that 2011 Formats supercedes ALL PREVIOUS Formats and all formatting rules in EBAE. ALL PREVIOUS includes the 2007 update. So everything you're referred to does not apply. If you are using 2011 Formats and you do not have any outstanding work being done with 1997 Formats, it's time to recycle.

That leaves the general question you are asking about math symbols in Braille Formats. The symbols list in Appendix G is simply a list of symbols to use as a reference. It is not, and not intended to be, guidelines about when and how to use them.

In each section of 2011 Formats, guidelines are given that include the use of special symbols when appropriate to that section. If any special symbols are needed for the specific book or page you are working on, go to the appropriate section in 2011 Formats. Special symbols usage for that situation will be given there, in that relevant section, along with instructions for usage. See the post on this forum regarding the old Rule 5, which discusses this same issue.

If you have a specific question about specific symbols, please send the print page(s) and we will address the issue.

Part of the process of becoming acclimated to these new guidelines is learning the new locations of familiar material and getting used to the way these new guidelines are presented.

--Joanna

[joannavenneri]

Thank you for your timely response. Attached is a print example with an accompanying question.

[joannavenneri]

See Section 1.3.1 for working with occasional Nemeth in a general textbook. This is NEW. See also Section 3.4. Also NEW. And Section 11.1.2, which states that all computations are transcribed in Nemeth. There are new provisions about beginning and ending Nemeth code symbols and transitioning in and out of Nemeth code for partially technical books that have only some Nemeth in them.

Found all this in the Index under Nemeth code.

Let us know if this helps.

--Joanna

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