Session 3: Special Symbols Page

The purpose of the specials symbols page is just that: to ensure that the braille reader is shown (or is reminded) of those braille symbols that are used for that particular book. It is up to the transcriber, but many (including this author) feel that it is better to have too many inclusions on the special symbols page, rather than not enough. It is helpful if you know the reader for whom the book is being transcribed, but this is not always the case. For example, if you know your reader is a young student, you might include "common" symbols such as the dollar sign, even though the dollar sign is considered "standard" braille. The definition of "special", then, includes those braille symbols that are used infrequently. It is up to the transcriber to decide if any particular symbol is used infrequently enough to warrant its inclusion.

The following standard braille symbols are typically included on the Special Symbols page:

1. accent sign
2. asterisk
3. ditto mark
4. line sign
5. non-Latin letter indicator
6. page number repetition or omission symbols
7. print symbol indicator
8. reference indicator
9. scansion and stress signs
10. special typeface indictors (other than italic sign)
11. termination sign
12. transcribers note (see below)

The special symbols page follows directly behind the title page, and carries a Roman numeral as its page number. The format rules for the special symbols page are as follows:

1. Start the page on a new sheet of braille
2. The words "SPECIAL SYMBOLS USED IN THIS VOLUME" is centered on Line 1 (no running head) or Line 3 (running head), in double capitals as shown. (Hint: put SPECIAL SYMBOLS USED beginning in Cell 7 for a 40-cell line, and IN THIS VOLUME on the next line beginning in Cell 12)
3. Show the symbols used in the order that they are first encountered in the text.
4. The structure of an entry is:
   • the symbol goes in Cell 1, followed by a space
   • if the symbol only uses right-hand dots (such as 4, 5, and/or 6) or only uses lower dots (such as 2,3, 5, or 6), you need to put the dot numbers enclosed in parentheses following the symbol. See the example below if this is confusing
   • following a space, provide the name and/or meaning of the symbol
   • runovers begin in Cell 3

You can also opt to "categorize" special symbols by putting a heading beginning in Cell 5, preceded by a blank line. For example, if you have a lot of unusual foreign language symbols, you might have a heading "Foreign Language Symbols" that begins in Cell 5, followed by the individual entries.

Transcribers Note Page

• Explanations of specialized formats such as crossword puzzles, instructions, recipes, etc. For example, the transcribers note might say that the formatting that is used in braille does not follow that of the print. The note might explain that the braille formatting used is intended to make the braille more clear to the reader
• Notes of any omissions, such as maps, graphics, etc.
• Notes about errors or omissions in the print. You don't want your reader to think you are a poor braillist or proofreader! If the print makes errors, your job is not to be an editor (although there is some argument about this!), but to faithfully reproduce what you see in print.

If you have special constructs that appear throughout the entire text, you should describe these constructs using a Transcribers Notes Page in the front of each volume, following the Special Symbols page. If there is no Special Symbols page, you put the TN page following the title page. If the construct is infrequent, then you simply insert a TN prior to the construct.

The format for the TN page is as follows:

1. Center the words "TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES" on Line 1 (no running head) or Line 3 (running head), followed by a blank line. If you begin this in Cell 8, it will be centered. If your TN page is more than one page in length, the words "TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES (cont.)" should be centered on the next page without a blank line following.
2. Start each note in Cell 3 without the transcribers note symbol (dots 6,3). Runovers go in Cell 1.

The format for a TN inserted directly prior to the item in the text is as follows:

1. Separate the TN from the regular text with a blank line.
2. Start each note in Cell 3 with the transcribers note symbol (dots 6,3). Runovers go in Cell 1.
3. End the TN with the TN symbol (dots 6,3), then a blank line.