eng-xna
This is the technical description of a DBT Translation table. If you want more general information about languages and template choices, please see the list of templates.
Initially, the language table for braille translation is determined by the selected template, and may be changed using the Document / Translation Tables menu. Using those menus does not require use of the table designator. However, to switch to a different translation table partway through a file, one must enter a DBT code and the designator for the table to switch to. For switching secondary languages within a base language table, see the [lng~X] command. For switching from one base language to another, see the [lnb~...] command.
The English/American tables support print-to-braille translation of English-language literary text, following the codes and customs established by the Braille Authority of North America (BANA). Several other languages may also be processed as sub-languages, and transcribed in accordance with BANA practice -- which is uncontracted braille, except for Maori. Braille using the additional English "religious contractions" may also optionally be produced (see "Secondary Languages Supported," below.) Technical codes for math and science (Nemeth Code) and computer notation (Computer Braille Code) are also supported.
Braille-to-print translation is supported for this language. However, braille-to-print translation may not be perfect, therefore beware that errors can occur. If you find errors or have suggestions, please send both the *.dxb and *.dxp files along with an explanation to: languages@duxsys.com. Please be sure to include sample files!
True braille-to-print translation is supported within English text and Computer Braille Code, but not in languages other than English nor in mathematics. This means that any mathematics or foreign-language portions of a braille file will not translate correctly to print. It also means that the "translated line" will typically contain gibberish when the cursor is in mathematics or embedded foreign-language braille.
Several other languages may be entered and treated per BANA specifications, i.e. as secondary languages, using the [lng...] code to switch. For instance, [lng~fr] (or [lng~fra]) would introduce a French passage, which would be terminated, i.e. reverting to English, at [lng] (or [lng~en]or [lng~eng]). The available languages, together with their associated "lng" codes, are:
de (or deu) -- German
en (or eng) -- English
es (or esp) -- Spanish
fi -- Finnish
fr (or fra) -- French
it (or ita) -- Italian
la (or lat) -- Latin
mi (or mao) -- Maori
nl -- Dutch
pt -- Portuguese
sv -- Swedish
sw -- Swahili (Kiswahili)
In Maori text, one contraction ("wh") is normally used, and it will be used as long as grade two is in effect. The other languages are all transcribed in grade 1 regardless of the grade setting, as is normal BANA practice. That is, the [g1] and [g2] codes affect the English text and any Maori text, but not the other languages.
Finally, certain producers of religious materials, and their readers, traditionally employ a short list of contractions that augment the standard set. While the language of course remains English, this is handled as English transcribed according to a variant code, using the same mechanism as a "secondary" language. Specifically, after the command [lng~en-rlg], the religious contractions are enabled while in grade 2. This effect is terminated at [lng], when processing returns to standard English treatment.
In addition to the secondary languages supported as described above within the English/American table itself, it is also possible to switch to any of the available translation tables listed in DBT. (See the [lnb~...] code below.) When switching in that manner, translation is in accordance with the language and standard-setting authority associated with that other table.
The BANA math and science code, i.e. Nemeth Code (1972), and the BANA computer notation code, i.e. CBC, are supported. See the Topical How-To Guide (under "Help"), and other relevant documentation.
If required for special purposes, it is also possible to switch to any of the available translation tables list in DBT (see the [lnb~...] code below), many of which do support various technical codes, such as for mathematics or computer notation, or which support “unified” treatment of technical notation as well as literary text in the base language associated with the table. When switching in that manner, translation is in accordance with the language and standard-setting authority associated with that other table.
The following DBT translation codes are available when using the English/American table. Any other translation codes used will be ignored, or indeed may cause unexpected results. If using an alternative translation table, i.e when switching to another base language table by means of the [lnb~...] code, please refer to the relevant topic and available codes for that table.
[/]
[ab] is equivalent to [g2]
[atx0] turns off the "all ASCII is literal" mode (see next code description), so that certain traditional "codes" typed in as direct text will continue to have effect. (For a list of these, see "Special Print Text Codes" within the "Codes Quick Reference" on DBT's Help menu.) This is presently the default (initial) condition, but as that is likely to change in future versions, it is advisable to put an [atx0]code at the beginning of any file in which the traditional in-text codes are used.
[atx1] turns on an "all ASCII is literal" mode, which will cause all ordinary printable ASCII characters to be considered as literal text, even those sequences that have traditionally been used as special "codes".
[bar]
[be]
[big] is used before parentheses, etc. in math to indicate enlargement of the following symbol
[bline]
[bs0] is a special variant form of the [bs] code that forces omission of the subscript indicator (dots 5-6).
[bs1] is a special variant form of the [bs] code that forces use of the subscript indicator (dots 5-6).
[bs]
[cap-invert]
[cap-normal]
[cb-&]
[cb-de]
[cb-ds]
[cb-ee]
[cb-es]
[cb-ne]
[cb-ns]
[cb-se]
[cb-ss]
[cb-t1]
[cb-t2]
[cb-ue]
[cb-us]
[cb]
[cbi]
[cbn]
[cs-off]
[cs]
[cz]
[e]
[ecane]
[ecans]
[enclis]
[eqvn]
[evb]
[fe0] is a special variant form of the [fe] code for ending the fractional portion of a mixed number.
[fe1] is a special variant form of the [fe] code for ending a fraction that includes another fraction (one level only) (i.e. a complex fraction).
[fe2] is a special variant form of the [fe] code for ending a fraction that includes two levels of other fractions (i.e. a hypercomplex fraction).
[fe]
[fl-lifg](This command is ignored if the grade is "locked".) This command asserts that, until further notice, [g1]implies not only a grade switch but also a switch to Latin, Italian, French or German as secondary languages. (Those four are treated identically within English per BANA rules.) Note that this method of switching languages is supported only for historical purposes. The preferred method of switching to a secondary language is now the [lng~...]command. See also the [lnb~...] command for general (primary) language switching.
[fl-none](This command is ignored if the grade is "locked".) This command removes any association between grade and language, restoring the normal condition wherein the [g1] command switches to grade 1 (uncontracted) treatment but the language remains English.
[fl-span](This command is ignored if the grade is "locked".) This command asserts that, until further notice, [g1]implies not only a grade switch but also a switch to Spanish as a secondary language (that is, treated as within English per BANA rules.) Note that this method of switching languages is supported only for historical purposes. The preferred method of switching to a secondary language is now the [lng~...]command. See also the [lnb~...] command for general (primary) language switching.
[fl1] is a special variant form of the [fl] code for entering the fraction line for a fraction that includes another fraction (one level only) (i.e. a complex fraction).
[fl2] is a special variant form of the [fl] code for entering the fraction line for a fraction that includes two levels of other fractions (i.e. a hypercomplex fraction).
[fl]
[fls1] is a special variant form of the [fls] code for entering the fraction line for a fraction that includes another fraction (one level only) (i.e. a complex fraction).
[fls2] is a special variant form of the [fls] code for entering the fraction line for a fraction that includes two levels of other fractions (i.e. a hypercomplex fraction).
[fls] (for “slant” fraction line)
[fs0] is a special variant form of the [fs] code for starting the fractional portion of a mixed number.
[fs1] is a special variant form of the [fs] code for starting a fraction that includes another fraction (one level only) (i.e. a complex fraction).
[fs2] is a special variant form of the [fs] code for starting a fraction that includes two levels of other fractions (i.e. a hypercomplex fraction).
[fs]
[fte~b]
[fte~i]
[fte~u]
[fts~b]
[fts~i]
[fts~u]
[g1]
[g1l] switches to "grade 1" (uncontracted) braille and "locks" that setting. Any association between grade and language is also removed, i.e. reset as if by a [fl-none] command.
[g1u] undoes the "locking" effect of a prior [g1l], while leaving the contraction grade as "grade 1" (uncontracted) braille.
[g2]
[g2l] switches to "grade 2" (contracted) braille and "locks" that setting. Any association between grade and language is also removed, i.e. reset as if by a [fl-none] command.
[g2u] undoes the "locking" effect of a prior [g2l], while leaving the contraction grade as "grade 2" (contracted) braille.
[i]
[ii]
[in] is equivalent to [g1]
[ixrtd]
[ixrte1] is a special variant form of [ixrte], for ending an indexed radical that is enclosed within a single outer radical.
[ixrte2] is a special variant form of [ixrte], for ending an indexed radical that is enclosed within two outer radicals.
[ixrte]
[ixrts1] is a special variant form of [ixrts], for starting an indexed radical that is enclosed within a single outer radical.
[ixrts2] is a special variant form of [ixrts], for starting an indexed radical that is enclosed within two outer radicals.
[ixrts]
[lnb]
[lnb~...] (for switching to another base [primary] language table)
[lng]
[lng~...] (see "Secondary Languages Supported," above)
[oe]
[one]
[ons]
[os]
[pe]
[ps]
[rmn]
[sqrte1] is a special variant form of [sqrte], for ending a square root that is enclosed within an outer radical.
[sqrte2] is a special variant form of [sqrte], for ending a square root that is enclosed within two outer radicals.
[sqrte]
[sqrts1] is a special variant form of [sqrts], for starting a square root that is enclosed within an outer radical.
[sqrts2] is a special variant form of [sqrts], for starting a square root that is enclosed within two outer radicals.
[sqrts]
[tce] cancels the effect of [tcs], restoring literary treatment (which is the default).
[tcs] is required in this table to enable math (technical) context, i.e. for general treatment as Nemeth Code. See the Topical How-To Guide, under Help, for general instructions.
[te] cancels the effect of [ts], restoring normal text mode (even though "technical context," i.e. Nemeth Code, may remain in effect).
[tne] terminates a transcriber's note
[tns] initiates a transcriber's note
[ts] initiates "technical notation," i.e. "math mode" within Nemeth Code.
[tx]
[txi]
[txn]
[ue]
[us]
[vrn] cancels the effect of any [vrn~...] code (only one of which may be in effect at a time)
[vrn~frac]establishes a mode where fractions and mixed numbers may be entered in an informal "typewriter" style with an in-line slash, e.g. 1/2 or 12-13/16 instead of using the formal fraction codes, e.g. [fs]1[fl]2[fe] or 12[fs]13[fl]16[fe]. This is for convenience in entering simple numeric fractions and mixed numbers in cases where there are a great many (as in cookbooks). Note, however, that this variation should be used cautiously. If, for example, 4/1 is a date and not a fraction, this variation should not be in effect because it would be interpreted as a fraction. Note that the definition of this code may be changed or discontinued in future versions. This code cancels the effect of any other [vrn~...] code, and its own effect lapses at any subsequent [vrn~...] or [ts] code.
[vrn~inf]establishes "informal mode," wherein certain ASCII characters that are not defined in BANA literary braille, and which according to the strict interpretation of that code must therefore be represented as one or more words in braille (e.g. "greater-than" for ">"), are instead given informal but generally familiar representations (e.g. dots 3-4-5 in that case). Note that the definition of this code may be changed or discontinued in future versions. This code cancels the effect of any other [vrn~...] code, and its own effect lapses at any subsequent [vrn~...] or [ts] code.
The table is designed to work with the following groups of characters:
All ASCII printable characters
Accented characters and punctuation marks typical of French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese
British pound, Japanese yen, Euro, and other miscellaneous signs (DUSCI pages D+ec..., D+ed..., D+ee..., D+f5...)
Mathematical signs, shapes, etc. (in "technical context," i.e. Nemeth Code, only) (DUSCI pages D+df..., D+e2..., D+e5..., D+ef..., D+f0..., D+f1...)
The above is a general guide only (see "General Notes" section under the main “Language Translation Tables” topic).
The first series of "select contractions" steps is based upon the "Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribers," (Fourth Edition, 2000) published by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress. The lesson numbers associated with the steps correspond to that document; the contractions are introduced as follows:
Lesson 4.2: but, can, do, every, from, go, have, just, knowledge, like, more, not, people, quite, rather, so, that, us, very, will, it, you, as
Lesson 4.3: and, for, of, the, with
Lesson 5: ch, sh, th, wh, ou, st, child, shall, this, which, out, still
Lesson 6: ar, ed, er, gh, ow, ble, ing
Lesson 7.2: his, was, were, be, in, enough, en
Lesson 7.5: con, dis
Lesson 7.6: com
Lesson 7.10: good, letter, little, paid, quick, said
Lesson 8.1: to, into, by
Lesson 8.2: bb, cc, dd, ff, gg, ea
Lesson 8.3: about, above, because, below, children, first, great
Lesson 9.1: day, ever, father, here, know, lord, mother, name, one, part, question, right, some, time, under, work, young, character, through, where, ought, there, upon, word, those, whose, these, cannot, had, many, spirit, world, their
Lesson 9.7: according, always, braille, o'clock, perhaps
Lesson 10.1: ound, ance, sion, less, ount, ence, ong, ful, tion, ness, ment, ity, ation, ally
Lesson 10.2: across, almost, also, immediate, must, necessary
Lesson 11 of the Instruction Manual introduces the final group, namely the short-form words: after, afternoon, afterward, again, against, already, although, altogether, before, behind, beneath, beside, between, beyond, blind, friend, together, could, should, would, either, neither, much, such, today, to-day, tonight, to-night, tomorrow, him, himself, its, itself, your, yourself, yourselves, herself, myself, oneself, ourselves, themselves, thyself, declare, declaring, rejoice, rejoicing, conceive, conceiving, deceive, deceiving, perceive, perceiving, receive, receiving
This last level is not in the "Select Contractions" list, because inclusion of the short-form words amounts to full grade 2, which is selected simply by choosing "English/American (Literary)" without "Select Contractions".
The second graduated contractions series is based upon the "Clusters" defined and used by the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
The complete TSBVI "Clusters" sequence is listed below. Note that Cluster 1 is equivalent to grade 1, and Clusters 54 and above are equivalent to grade 2.
Those clusters that are omitted in the menu are marked with an asterisk (*). Apart from Cluster 54, the reason that the others are omitted is that they introduce no new contractions nor the letter sign:
1: a, t, m
*2: b, g, i
3: a, that, more, but, go
*4: capital, period, I
*5: r, f, n
*6: x, l, s
7: rather, from, not
8: it, like, so
9: d, do, p, people, k, knowledge
10: y, you, c, can
11: h, have, o, question mark
12: q, quite, u, us, comma
13: w, will, e, every
14: v, very, z, as
15: j, just, and
*16: (Reading exercises)
17: mother, father, right, time, exclamation point
18: lord, some, day, part, name
19: know, young, here, one
20: question, under, work, ever, apostrophe
*21: number sign, numerals
22: hyphen, numeric dates, letter sign
*23: comma in large numbers
24: the, there, braille, ing, him
25: about, according, after, also, afternoon, afterward
26: th, this, although, through, across, already
*27: (Reading exercises)
28: almost, always, blind, either, neither, ed
29: of, by, myself, himself, itself, oneself, yourself
30: had, quick, its, these, cannot, open quote, closed quote
31: sh, shall, should, would, could, good, paid
32: tion, er, herself, perhaps
33: o'clock, was, con, cc, colon
34: ou, out, ought, today, tonight, tomorrow
35: for, ch, child, children, character, such, much
36: ar, ound, above, en, enough
*37: (Reading exercises)
38: great, together, little, ow, ance
39: be, bb, semicolon, spirit
40: because, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, beyond
41: sion, ble, his, your, friend, letter
42: less, their, ourselves, yourselves, themselves
43: with, st, still, first, must, again, against
44: ount, dollar sign, decimal, cent, many
45: percent, fraction bar, ity
46: ence, altogether, immediate, com
*47: (Reading exercises)
48: wh, which, where, world, ea
49: to, ff, in, into, those, said, ong
50: word, were, gg, parentheses
51: ness, ment, necessary, ally
52: dis, dd, gh, ation, ful
53: upon, whose, thyself
*54: conceive, conceiving, deceive, deceiving, declare, declaring, perceive, perceiving, receive, receiving, rejoice, rejoicing
*55: dash, ellipsis, asterisk, italics or underline
*56: double dash, brackets, inner quotes, accent sign, termination sign, degrees
These tables are based primarily upon the definitive manual for North American literary braille usage, namely "English Braille American Edition," a publication of the Braille Authority of North America (BANA), 2007 revision. "The Nemeth Braille Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision" and "Code for Computer Braille Notation" (1987) define the mathematics and computer notation codes followed; both are also BANA publications.
The literary portions of the tables were adapted in July 1975 by Duxbury Systems, Inc., working from the similar tables in DOTSYS III, a public-domain braille translator written at MITRE Corporation around 1969. Extensive additions and updates by Duxbury since that time have included support for Computer Braille Code (CBC) in March 1988 and support for mathematics and science (Nemeth Code [1972]) in March 1997.
BANA updates through that of 2007 have been followed.
(Documentation reviewed August 2010)