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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 Filipino tables support print-to-braille translation of Filipino-language literary text into contracted and uncontracted Filipino braille.
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!
There are no special requirements or limitations.
English, in grade 1 (uncontracted) only, is supported as a secondary language.
Computer Braille Code (CBC), as defined by the Braille Authority of North America, is supported.
[/] may be embedded within letter-groups that would normally be contracted, to prevent the contraction.
[ab] is equivalent to [g2]
[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] switches to "direct braille," wherein braille is directly represented using the North American ASCII-braille code. (This is sometimes called "no-translate" or "computer grade 0")
[fte~b]
[fte~i]
[fte~u]
[fts~b]
[fts~i]
[fts~u]
[g1] switches to "grade 1" (uncontracted) braille. This affects the Filipino text, and also any embedded English text.
[g2] switches to "grade 2" (contracted) braille. This is the normal mode, and to any embedded English text as well as the Filipino text.
[lnb~...] (for switching to another base [primary] language table)
[lng~en] switches to English language.
[lng~fr] switches to French language.
[lng] switches back to Filipino language.
[tx] resumes normal translation, ending "direct braille."
[txi]
[txn]
The table is designed to work with the following groups of characters:
All ASCII printable characters
Accented letters and punctuation marks typical of French, German, Italian, and Spanish
British pound sign (£)
The above is a general guide only (see "General Notes" section at the beginning of this document).
Filipino has a complex braille contraction system roughly parallel to the contracted English. Our main source of information is "Instruction Manual for Filipino Braille Transcribing", 1st Edition, 2007 which we have as a Microsoft Word file. This book is Prepared By the Department of Education, Philippines, Philippine Printing House for the Blind, and Resources for the Blind, Inc.
To start our work on the Filipino Braille Translator in Duxbury DBT, we are grateful for the help we have obtained from Compass Braille of the United Kingdom, and from Resources for the Blind, Inc.
(Documentation reviewed June 2010)