verbatim/grammar
Posted By: Marilyn on 2009-06-01
In Reply to: Format/Dictation Issues - Diana
I used to get hung up on the same thing. Do what you feel most comfortable with. When you get a job, they will tell you what they want you to do. Just realize that it very difficult to type exactly what they are comparing you to. Look at it and see if it really an error or just preference of formating.
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Verbatim Transcribing
I'd like to verify that sometimes it is necessary to add/edit information dictated (even if its a verbatim account) if that is what makes the dictation sound correct and is in keeping with grammar and client format rules. Is this correct? I've had trouble understanding this actual concept, and just want to be sure I now have it right. Earlier today, I transcribed for a dictator in my MT internship who gave punctuation instructions that just didn't make sense and was clearly not in keeping with the style of the company. I consulted my AAMT BOS and punctuated as directed there rather than per the dictator. My QA didn't say anything about it. Generally, she lets me know in a hurry if I am wrong. Is this the right way to think about transcribing verbatim accounts?
In the few doctors I have done that are verbatim - sm
they want it exactly as they say it, even if it does not make sense to you. That is every comma, period, new paragraph, etc. On others, my QA mgr says we can clean up grammer as long as we don't change the meaning of the sentence (as he says, as long as it is not going to kill them). We NEVER guess on drug names or doses if we cannot make them out clearly. As for the BOS or keeping with the style of the company, most doctors want it done their way no matter what the BOS says, it is not their handbook. Every company you work for does things differently, some do p.o/PO, q.i.d/QID, q.d., q. day/every day, mL/ml instead of cc, etc.
grammar, honey, grammar...
Not at all intending to say I was better than you. Merely pointed out that grammar is an integral part of MT and one area in which you are handicapped. I felt my post was respectful, informative and fair. However, feel free to sink your two grand into MT schooling and then try to find a job. I've been at this for over twenty years and I'm telling you right now-- you won't find one...
grammar
I don't mean to be so critical, but it seems that quite a few people on this forum have poor grammar and very bad spelling. These are two VERY important skills in this profession. I think it would be wise for some people to reconsider their choice in professions. If you never liked Engish in school or did not do well in in this subject, this will not be a good job for you. You will spend too much time correcting yourself. Please think about this.
GrammAR
"What is your very good in all the other parts of MT and only average in the grammer."
You are poor in both grammAr AND spelling. How do you expect to be good with medical terms if you don't even understand basic English?
Grammar
"... mispelling of English terms such as there/their and your/you're. Some MTs tend to think the way a poster spells on an MT board says something about their mastery of the English language."
It does. Either you know correct English grammar, or you do not. If you use the wrong form of a word, it's because you obviously do not know the difference, not just because you happen to be typing someplace besides "at work." Get real.
grammar
Are you the grammar police? I believe that was a simple mistake and I do know the English language, but I am also a happy person you on the other hand do not seem to be. Thank you though for the wonderful uplifting message you left me.
Grammar
grammar
Thanks! sounds like a great idea.
Grammar gals
Hey just wondering if everyone in this business was a top notch grammar gal in high school? 
Since grammar and punctuation are
very important in MT & you say you're having some trouble in that area, you could pick up a copy of a college grammar text book such as 'Little Brown Handbook' and brush up on it. I found it very helpful.
PCDI teaches some grammar...
Believe it or not, PCDI actually does have a good section of their lessons put aside for grammar. I have still not mastered grammar (I'm not even close), but the lessons that PCDI gave me for grammar sure helped refresh some lost and forgotten rules!
and lots of grammar errors.
It is always good to have dreams.....
Without good grammar you would not even pass - sm
the test(s) you take in order to get a job. They ask a zillion grammar questions, which word to use (affect/effect; their/there; advise/advice), spelling, etc. Also all MTs, no matter how many years experience, be it 1 month or 15 years, must be able to take criticism (and learn from it). That is the first lesson you must learn. No matter how good a MT course is reputed to be, you will still have plenty to learn at the end of it. Many have the attitude that they all the all-knowing diva of MT and everyone else is full of it. So the OP needs to get rid of the chip on their shoulder, I know people here can be quite harsh and some of those here could be a bit more tactful, but bottom line is that they are right.
Grammar Text Book
Hey sm, just looked for that book on Amazon and there are quite a few different Little Brown Handbooks, could you tell me the ISBN#, author and edition? Thanks.
However, I might suggest you work on your grammar skills!
Most services are looking more for proper spelling, grammar, and
sentence structure than they are layout. I don't give a hoot what the layout looks like because I have my own way of doing things that I train the MT on how to do upon hire.
Not true, I made a 95 once. But grammar and spelling
are key issues as stated below.
There is no need to correct grammar or spelling mistakes on this board. (NM)
Goldbird
couldn't agree more - grammar is critical yet not taught in the MT schools sm
I find it makes or breaks any MT I take on. I wish they would focus more on it. Most people can't figure out plural possessive or whether to use affect or effect.
Nice advice, however, learning good grammar usually falls somewhere
between grades 1-8 and, even more so, 9-12, if you are lucky enough to be exposed to good schools. If they have not been the afforded the opportunity to attend a solid grade school, as well as a high school, with teachers who emphasize and demand the importance of correct grammar, they are going to be left behind when it comes to MTing, or have to take some English classes to catch up on what they missed during the early days of learning.
The egregious grammar errors are much worse than misspelling one word.
Congratulations is not a word used frequently in MT, it was just an example. I'm being honest (and trying to be helpful) suggesting she brush up on grammar. Definitely meant no offense.
Search the boards and send out resumes, and review your grammar and punctuation
s
aren't we lucky this site has you to correct our spelling/grammar usage.
maybe you should consider editing.
Wrong. As I said, her English vocab & grammar were great, but PCDI didn't teach her enough medic
With an adequate school she would have been great. She had been a secretary for years and had transcribed business dictation previously. She just couldn't learn enough terms in 3 months or whatever.
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