Working with handwritten records in a foreign language is difficult. Do not compound the difficulty by confusing transcription and translation. Transcription is converting the foreign-language script into the equivalent foreign-language text. Translation is converting the foreign language into another language. If you’re asking someone to do one or the other, just make certain you ask for the correct thing.
Reading handwriting that is centuries old can be difficult whether it is in your native language and script or not. Handwriting has changed over time, old records can contain archaic terms (legal and otherwise), and foreign-language records and script can result in even more challenges. Don’t start your foray into transcription with a 17th century document if you have not transcribed ones from the 18th and 19th centuries first. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t need those documents for your research. Building your skills is important first and older documents will be easier to transcribe if you are familiar with more recent ones. You may really “need” that land patent from Virginia in 1670 for your research, but if it appears to be in a foreign language, try […]
There are several reasons why someone might not have the last name you think that they do or why they may be listed in a record with a last name of which you are unaware. A female relative could have had one more husband than you think she did—resulting in a reference to her with a name you don’t know. A child may be listed under the name of an unknown step-father. Without a last name it can be difficult to find someone. The man you think is someone’s father may actually have been the step-father, adopted father, etc. This again can cause the same person to be listed in different records with different names. And you just may simply have the last name wrong.
When was the last time you backed up your files, checked for photos that you don’t at least have saved in digital format, and made certain that there are no relatives that need to be interviewed? This is your first of the month reminder.
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