Learning to transcribe

Welcome to week 3!

Last week you learned about numerals and monetary systems, discovered various letter shapes, explored the kirk session records, and engaged with the early Reformation in Perth.

This week you will utilise resources for the study of Scottish history and learn key transcription techniques for early modern manuscripts.

Having practised the basic skills needed to read early modern handwriting, it is necessary to understand how best to transcribe the hand which you are reading. As you will soon discover, there is no consensus on approaches to transcription.

Fortunately, however, Lionel will guide you through the debates and assist your decision-making when transcribing documents.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to try your hand at a number of resources which assist with the study of early modern Scotland. These include the Dictionary of the Scots Language, Scotland’s Places and the Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae. Your ability to use these resources will be tested in the quizzes provided.

The course will culminate with a series of tutorials which allow you to practise your reading and transcribing. Remember: there is no time limit and you can return to them at any time.

How to make the most of your new skills and potential opportunities in the future will be considered in our concluding remarks.

We hope you enjoy your final week!