Vocabulary Building & Dictionary Management Flashcards

What is the primary advantage of using 'global' edits in CAT software when reviewing a transcript?

Answer: They simultaneously change all instances of a word or phrase throughout the entire transcript

Global edits allow captioners to correct all instances of a misspelling or incorrect translation at once, and optionally add the correction to the dictionary to prevent the same error in future work.

How should a captioner best prepare vocabulary for a highly technical conference such as a medical symposium or legal proceeding?

Answer: Request a speaker list, agenda, and technical materials in advance to build a targeted job dictionary

Obtaining advance materials allows captioners to research and pre-load accurate spellings of technical terms, names, and acronyms specific to the event into a job dictionary.

In CAT software, what distinguishes a captioner's 'personal dictionary' from the 'master dictionary'?

Answer: The personal dictionary holds the captioner's individual customizations and briefs; the master dictionary contains standard theory-based entries

The master dictionary provides a baseline of standard steno theory entries, while the personal dictionary holds the captioner's individualized briefs, shortcuts, and custom entries built over their career.

What is 'fingerspelling' in realtime captioning and when is it most commonly employed?

Answer: Spelling out a word letter by letter using individual steno strokes, used for unusual names or words not in the dictionary

Fingerspelling involves stroking each letter individually and is used as a fallback for proper nouns or unusual words that are not in the captioner's dictionary.

What is the recommended practice when a captioner encounters a new acronym during a live captioning event?

Answer: Write it phonetically during the event and add the verified definition to the job dictionary afterward

Writing phonetically captures the acronym for post-production correction, while adding the verified definition to the job dictionary after the event prevents the same issue in future similar assignments.

Which best describes 'theory-based' dictionary entries in professional stenography?

Answer: Entries that follow the phonetic and logical rules of the stenographic theory in which the captioner was trained (e.g., Phoenix, StenEd)

Theory-based entries follow the phonetic and logical rules of a specific steno system, ensuring consistency and predictability throughout the captioner's dictionary.

Why is it important for a realtime captioner to periodically audit their steno dictionary?

Answer: To identify and resolve conflicts, remove outdated entries, and optimize outlines for improved speed and accuracy

Regular dictionary audits help captioners maintain high accuracy by catching conflicts, removing stale or incorrect entries, and refining outlines as their skills and vocabulary evolve over time.