Lindy Walton
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Hello and thank you for your question. You have discovered one of the differences between the Chemistry code (CC) and the Nemeth code (NC), namely that when following the CC, abbreviations are spaced as they are in print ... but when following the NC abbreviations are spaced according to specific spacing rules in Rule VIII of that code. Other differences between the two codes, as well as this one regarding abbreviations, are listed on page ix in the introduction to the CC. In section 9, spacing rules for abbreviations are further discussed. 9.1(5) applies here: "Space as in print." The example you cite is in this section and illustrates an unspaced abbreviation "C" (Celsius) -- the abbreviation is unspaced in print and in the braille transcription. The second "C" illustrates the fact that abbreviations are punctuated mathematically in the CC -- another difference from the NC.
Note the two appearances of the abbreviation "g" (gram) in this print example. Clearly this abbreviation is spaced in print. The braille transcription also shows it to be spaced, now requiring the ELI.
The reason the final "C" in this example is spaced in braille is because it follows a sign of operation (NC Sec.54b and CC Introduction, final paragraph).
There is no errata for the Braille Code for Chemical Notation 1997; no errors have been reported. Please continue to ask questions when you don't understand a rule in that code -- it does require careful study in order to apply correctly. Learn from the rules, not only from the simbraille examples.
In work arranged spatially, only the general omission symbol (full cell) is used to show omissions. NC Sec.58.
Do not use a shape symbol for a shaded square in a spatial arrangement.
The general omission symbol is not a numeric symbol, even if it is representing a missing numeral, so there is no need for a dot 5 between the r and the full cell.Please see one of the attached files (ABT or BRF) for the braille transcription. Because layout is important with this example, I am not able to include it in the body of this message. Let me know if you cannot open either file, and also let me know if you have further questions.
Following current rules, here is how to braille the section labels:
First example:
print: AII/T.18.b-AII/T.18.dbraille:
[braille],A,,II_/,T".18."B-,A,,II_/,T".18."DExplanation:
Use cap A for the "A" and cap T for the "T" -- no ELIs since they do not stand alone. [NC Sec.27.g]
Use double-cap II for the Roman numeral. [NC Sec.18.a]
The "dot" is considered to be a decimal, which is a numeric symbol, so it requires the use of the multipurpose indicator as follows: after a letter and before a decimal; after a decimal and before a letter. [NC Sec.177.ii and 177.v]Unfortunately, this makes for a very long construction.
If these references occur [u]frequently[/u] throughout your transcription, I don't think it would be frowned upon to write a note on the Transcriber's Notes page stating that you are omitting the decimal points from the section labels. This would make them slightly more compact and a bit easier to read. Like this:
[braille],A,,II_/,T"18B-,A,,II_/,T"18D
Note that a dot 5 is still required between a letter and the following number, otherwise the number becomes a subscript.
Second example:
print: AII.4.a et al.
braille:
[braille],A,,II".4."A ET AL4
or:
[braille],A,,II"4A ET AL4I hope to hear a loud objection if this is considered to be bad practice.
What a great question. I am looking into this and will get back to you soon. The issues here have to do with letters (A and T as well as a b c d etc.), Roman numerals which look like letters but are actually numeric, and decimal points that use the same cell configuration as the Greek letter indicator.
This is a nice puzzle, isn't it?
The spacing of the items means that you should format the expressions as displayed material (because the items are "set apart from the body of the text" in print). NC Sec.188a.
The sample you sent is on text page 359. Is this the first time you have encountered this layout? If you are sharing the project with other transcribers, you need to be consistent in treatment.
I can completely accept your response to use BF97 to complete the bulleted list. I do wonder however why the Nemeth Code does not provide for a specific rule for Non-Numerated, Non-Lettered main entries with subdivisions, such as a bulleted list.
In a posting response for Displayed Material on 5/21/2010, https://www.nationalbraille.org/Forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=307 by Dorothy, the following question was asked:
Hello, I have the following itemized and displayed text in Nemeth:
1. Large and small animals … (should this itemized text be in 1-3 or 1-5?)
(displayed text below: Does the displayed text go in 5-3 or 3-7?)
Give some names of small animals:
Give some names of large animals:The following response was given:
… I think I would treat this as a main item with subdivisions.
Let me offer this as food for thought.
I find the response given above gives credence to the thinking of treating non-numbered, non-lettered lists, and/or bulleted items as main entries and subdivisions according to the Nemeth Code in Rule XXV, §191.b.i, and ii (Main entry in cells 1-5 and the subdivision in cells 3-5). Otherwise, the displayed material following the numbered item above should have been displayed in cells 5-3 according to Rule XXV, §191.a.i, and iii, page(s) 193-194 of the Nemeth Code.
I would like to point out that I am aware when the Nemeth Code does not provide for a rule the transcriber must conform to BF97, BANA Updates 2007—2011.
I think in this case it would be helpful to come to a consensus on the main entries and subdivisions of non-numbered, non-lettered lists, like a bulleted list.The decision whether or not to retain special typeface in the braille edition is the first step to my answer.
For clarity, we are often told to ignore typeface. Look at the list of "Special Typefaces Ignored" in Rule 3.1.a of BF97.
The list that follows that one--3.1.b "Special typefaces retained"--includes "words, phrases, or clauses to which particular attention is drawn" which of course makes sense. Without seeing your actual print document, I am guessing that all items enclosed in parentheses in this section are printed in italics, although I see that your simbraille in item #40 does not italicize the numerals.I suggest that the parentheses are enough to draw attention to the items (are they answer choices?) and that by ignoring the italics you will be doing your reader a favor. A transcriber's note at the beginning of this section stating that "items in parentheses are printed in italics" gives you permission to do so.
Here are my direct answers to your two questions:
A. There is no rule prohibiting the use of the English Braille italic indicator for words or phrases which are enclosed within grouping signs.
B. Because is no mention of typeface in NC Rule, II, §10 we can assume it not a factor in the definition of an enclosed list.
Thank you for your clear question with attached illustration.
The Nemeth Code indentation pattern you cite applies to itemized material, which this is not. When there is no special format provided in the Nemeth Code, we follow rules and guidelines of EBAE and Braille Formats. The print document shows a table with bulleted items. It contains no displayed mathematical expressions. Follow the Literary Braille format of your choice regarding various ways to present this material. The one you are considering (1-5 and 3-7) works well.
In my classroom work, I often see unlabeled answer choices such as you show in your print sample. Since the answer choices are printed on a new line, yes I too see them as displayed text. Since they are unitemized (unlettered/unnumbered) you can follow Braille Formats or you can use a Nemeth Code format.
Here is how I see your braille examples:
(My comments having to do with Braille Formats refers to the original 1997 publication. I do not know if the new guidelines will change any of these directives.)EXAMPLE 1 follows NC for individually displayed items--each starting on a new line in the primary display cell.
EXAMPLE 2 is the same only it adds the BF directive to insert a blank line before and after each "list." Blank lines are unnecessary when braille margins set off the items as they do in NC displayed layouts. Also, if you were following BF list format, the left margin should be cell 1.
EXAMPLE 3 displays the answer choices as a so-called "run-in list" (BF97 terminology) separating each answer choice with one blank cell. This is acceptable, but note that the runover cell should be maintained in 5.b. (the third answer choice should be in cell 9).
EXAMPLE 4 is like Example 3 only with two blank cells separating run-in answer choices. BF97 tells us to insert *three blank cells between widely spaced apart words or phrases printed on the same line. As far as I know, we insert two blank cells only in the context of columned material, which this is not, or in glossaries when the definition does not start with a capital letter. Regardless, since the choices are clearly distinguishable by their enclosure signs, I see no reason to insert extra spaces.
..drumroll..
I vote for EXAMPLE 1. Not only does it follow a familiar Nemeth format, but because there are not always the same number of answer choices it makes it very clear how many choices there are.Thank you so much for your quick response. I am so glad we have this service as members. It is well worth the membership fee!
Hi Georgia. Thank you for posting your concerns about the updated Errata/Addenda to "An Introduction to Braille Mathematics," the lesson manual for learning the Nemeth Code.
YES, you should "undo" the old Errata. This does not necessarily mean that what was stated before is wrong, but may merely mean that it was an unnecessary or misleading comment. For example, many of the items noted in the old errata had to do with spacing issues in the print that--regardless of how they are printed--do not effect spacing rules in braille.
I appreciate your report regarding typos and will make those changes in the next release. An updated version will be available only after the new Braille Formats has been released and we have a chance to incorporate any effects this may have on the Nemeth Code.
Those who do not have a copy of the Errata/Addenda may request a copy from the NFB by contacting Jennifer Dunnam, Manager of Braille Programs, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, e-mail: transcribers@nfb.org
Hi Susan. Your transcription of the four electron dot configurations is exactly correct. Isn't it nice how simple they are? It's not clear to me in your simbraille example if you have the same number of blank cells between each atom. Three blank cells is standard. No, you do not need to show the box lines around them. Yes, you should list the two bonds on a Special Symbols page. Use the heading "Electron Dots" and use the same description as you find on page 12 of the Chemistry Code.
I am guessing that the chemistry questions are scattered around the test, not all grouped together? If so, it is best to use the same code throughout the test. Including punctuation indicators with all scientific abbreviations will not hinder the reading in any way. State on a Transcriber's Notes page that all material on the test is brailled following the rules of the Braille Code For Chemical Notation 1997.
If, instead, all the chemistry questions are grouped together, you can insert a transcriber's note at that point stating that the rules of the Braille Code For Chemical Notation 1997 are used for questions # - #.
Thank you for your question.
