Interpreting notes

Interpreting notes are not part of any conventional graphic system, and practitioners are free to develop their own techniques.

However, some basic rules facilitate the recording of details in order to aid the interpreter in coping with large amounts of information.

Their purpose is to write minimal notes which will, at a quick glance, elicit in the interpreter's mind the intent of an oral communication so that it can be re-expressed in a different language.

Then one can specify whether eastern, western, or central Europe is meant by slashing the relevant upward leg.

Using this system, one can note, for instance, that a sum has increased or decreased by a certain percentage (according to the arrow’s direction).

For example, the notes in the illustration might be interpreted to mean : We are particularly glad to inform you about an important increase in our company’s revenues, which rose by 10 percent from 3.5 to 3.85 billion dollars.