Transcription Workshop HIST 499 Bethany Fiechter Archivist for Manuscript and Digital Collections Archives and Special Collections Ball State University Libraries bcfiechter@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5078

Introduction to Transcription Definition: word-for-word written copy of an interview. Benefits: Quickly skim to determine relevance Comprehend voices that are difficult to hear or understand Improved searching, especially in the Digital Media Repository Technology issue? We have a print version available.

Transcription Process Allow for 6-8 hours of time per hour of recording. Do and Don’ts Do not correct grammar and dialect Do not censor vulgar and/or offensive language Do not add editorial comments Do confirm the spellings of names, geographic locations, unfamiliar terms Do avoid private information, such as addresses and phone numbers

Transcription Process Guggles and Crutch Words Guggles: words or syllables used to interrupt, foreshorten, or end responses, or used as sounds of encouragement (oh, uh, ah, er). Only use if the feedback is a definite response to a point being made or it`s vital to understand speech pattern. When in doubt, ask! Crutch words: words, syllables or phrases of interjection often used to allow the narrator more time to think (did-uh, that-uh, okay, you know, I mean, etc.). Use careful judgment! Type no more than two crutch words per occurrence.

Transcription Process Incomplete Thoughts: Em Dash versus the Ellipses The em dash (“ ”) is used for: a hanging phrase resulting in an incomplete sentence a parenthetic expression or statement an interruption by another speaker The ellipses (“…”) is used for: a sentence that is not complete or is unfinished Do not use ellipses because they give the appearance that material was left out!

Transcription Process Bracketing [i.e. When to add information?] Make bracketed insertions ONLY to clarify the narrator`s thought or tone, e.g. [laughs]. Proper descriptive terms for incidental sounds: [Jeffrey laughs] when person other than speaker laughs [laughter] when more than one person laughs [unintelligible] when you can’t understand [inaudible] when you can’t understand due to recording problem [telephone rings] [both taking at once] or [speaking at same time] Do not insert personal value judgments within the narrative, e.g. [laughs obnoxiously].

Transcription Process Unintelligible spots on tape Amplify sound Have another person listen When in doubt, leave as [unintelligible]. Spell Checking If you can, make an educated guess, Maryville(??) If you cannot, Mr. _______(??)

Transcription Tools Quiet Room Computer and Headphones Transcription Software Express Scribe Free download (http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/) Volume control Tape speed control Can be used with USB foot pedal or hot keys Works with Microsoft Word and other common word-processing applications Easy to use and tutorial available Transcript Template Class Wiki If students are interested in a foot pedal, contact Bethany at bcfiechter@bsu.edu or (765) 285-5078.

Formatting and Style Guide Follow Baylor University Institute for Oral History Style Guide and Chicago Manual of Style 16th ed. (Z253 .U69 2010) Guide covers how to transcribe many common elements of interviews, including false starts, interruptions, nonverbal sounds, unintelligible speech Guide and manual covers many writing guidelines, including when to spell out numbers, punctuation, capitalization rules, etc. Review Class Wiki for additional guidelines and FAQs Look at examples in the Digital Media Repository Questions? Digital Media Repository examples: Cantigny First Division Oral Histories, Vietnam Veterans Oral Histories, 376th Heavy Bombardment Oral Histories, Middletown Oral Histories.

Demonstration Class Wiki Download Express Scribe and load audio file https://www.bsu.edu/libraries/wiki/index.php?title=HIST_499:_Transcription_Workshop_for_Cantigny_First_Division_Oral_History_Project_III_2012 Adding to the wiki Download Express Scribe and load audio file http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/ Still have questions? bcfiechter@bsu.edu