Grades 6–8 · History & Evidence
How do transcription and translation preserve different things?
A transcription represents the words or signs visible in a source. A translation represents their meaning in another language. These aims can overlap, but they are not interchangeable. A reader may need the source image, transcription and translation together to understand what each one preserves.
In the diagramTranscription and translation keep different thingsInvented two-word language · glossary suppliedSourceTranscriptionTranslationMEPUDAXIwideriverMEPU = river; DAXI = wideWording and translated meaning are different aims.
Our original teaching text uses an invented language with a supplied glossary. MEPU means river and DAXI means wide. The source places MEPU on one line and DAXI on the next, using a noun-before-descriptor order. No historical language has to be guessed or deciphered.
Under the literal transcription policy used here, the two uppercase words and their line break remain MEPU and DAXI. The English translation is “wide river.” Its word order changes because it represents the supplied meaning in English. It does not pretend that the English words were visibly written on the original.
Editorial policy still matters. Some transcriptions preserve more layout, spelling or punctuation than others, and a translation may need explanatory notes for meanings without a simple match. The source’s handwriting, spacing and material appearance are additional properties that plain text alone may not carry.
About this explanation
Starting knowledge: Understand that languages can use different words or word orders and distinguish a visible inscription from an explanation of its meaning.
Sources
- National Archives — Transcription Tips
- National Archives — Citizen Archivist Frequently Asked Questions