Help:Palaeography Skills: Difference between revisions

Transcribe Bentham: A Collaborative Initiative

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Help:Palaeography Skills: Difference between revisions

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==Neologisms==
==Neologisms==
Bentham also coined many new words. Some of these, like ‘international’, we still use today, but many words are unusual and particular to Bentham. Try to represent the word as faithfully as possible. For a list of Bentham’s neologisms click [http://www.ucl.ac.uk/Bentham-Project/Faqs/Neologisms%20of%20Jeremy%20Bentham.htm here].
Bentham also coined many new words. Some of these, like ‘international’, we still use today, but many words are unusual and particular to Bentham. Try to represent the word as faithfully as possible. See a list of Bentham’s [https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bentham-project/research-tools/neologisms-jeremy-bentham neologisms].


==Flourishes==
==Flourishes==
Letters were often represented with certain flourishes we do not use today. For example, Bentham usually wrote the letter 'd' with a swirl to the left:
Letters were often represented with certain flourishes we do not use today. For example, Bentham usually wrote the letter 'd' with a swirl to the left.
[[File:Reduced.jpg|left|frame|reduced]]
 
<br style="clear: both" /> A double 's', as in the word ‘necessary’, was represented as follows:  
<br style="clear: both" /> A double 's', as in the word ‘necessary’, was represented as follows:  
[[File:Necessary.jpg|left|frame|necessary]]
[[File:Necessary.jpg|left|frame|necessary]]
<br style="clear: both" />


<br style="clear: both" />
Take a look at further [[Help:Examples of Bentham's handwriting|Examples of Bentham's handwriting ]].


==Helpful Hints==
==Helpful Hints==
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* compare individual letters in the word to others letters elsewhere in the document
* compare individual letters in the word to others letters elsewhere in the document
* magnify or minimise the document to view the word from a different perspective
* magnify or minimise the document to view the word from a different perspective
* take a look at a completely transcribed page (such as [[JB/027/162/001]]) for help
* have a break and come back to the word later
* have a break and come back to the word later


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==Further Advice==
==Further Advice==
You can always ask for help by [[Contact_the_project|contacting us]] or by posting a comment in the [[Special:AWCforum|discussion forum]]. For detailed guidelines on how to use the transcription box and toolbar click [[Help:Transcription_Guidelines|here]].
* Consult our [[Help:Transcription_Guidelines|Transcription Guidelines]] for advice on transcribing Bentham's handwriting using our transcription box and toolbar .
For further advice on palaeography and practical tutorials you can consult the following websites:
* For more information on palaeography and online tutorials, take a look at this [http://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/transcribe-bentham/palaeography/ list of websites].
 
* And you can always ask for help by [mailto:transcribe.bentham@ucl.ac.uk sending us an email].
[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/palaeography/default.htm The National Archives]
 
[http://www.shl.lon.ac.uk/subjects/palaeographyandmanuscriptstudies/gateways.shtml#pct Senate House Library, University of London]


[[Category:Help|Palaeography Skills]]
[[Category:Help|Palaeography Skills]]

Latest revision as of 11:52, 9 October 2018

Palaeography Skills: Tips for Reading Old Handwriting

Reading and transcribing historical documents can seem daunting at first. Here are some tips to help you.

Spellings

Be aware that in the past spelling was inconsistent. Always transcribe the spelling you see in front of you and do not attempt to translate the word. Here are some examples of Bentham’s alternative spellings.

Neologisms

Bentham also coined many new words. Some of these, like ‘international’, we still use today, but many words are unusual and particular to Bentham. Try to represent the word as faithfully as possible. See a list of Bentham’s neologisms.

Flourishes

Letters were often represented with certain flourishes we do not use today. For example, Bentham usually wrote the letter 'd' with a swirl to the left.


A double 's', as in the word ‘necessary’, was represented as follows:

necessary


Take a look at further Examples of Bentham's handwriting .

Helpful Hints

If you are finding it difficult to make out a particular word, try the following:

  • try to make sense of the context in which the word appears
  • break the word down and read it letter by letter
  • compare individual letters in the word to others letters elsewhere in the document
  • magnify or minimise the document to view the word from a different perspective
  • take a look at a completely transcribed page (such as JB/027/162/001) for help
  • have a break and come back to the word later

The manuscripts have been categorised by difficulty level. If you are a beginner, select a manuscript from the Easy category to start off with. Remember, the more you read the easier it becomes!

Further Advice

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