Mode and More
Mariann Witengier
Before discussing the G1 indicator and consequent G1 mode we must first understand not only the Standing Alone Rule, but other terms such as mode, and indicators.
When reading, a braille reader determines the meaning of a braille sign in several ways:
- Spacing
- Standing Alone Rule
- Position of a braille sign in relation to other signs and the mode in effect.
UEB has several modes including the numeric and grade 1 mode. In all cases an indicator establishes a mode which determines the meaning of the braille sign. In this situation our emphasis will primarily be about the G1 mode and the numeric mode as it relates to the grade 1 mode.
So, what is mode? Our UEB rule book defines it as “a condition initiated by an indicator and describing the effect of the indicator on subsequent braille signs”.
You must always remember that a mode established by an indicator does not survive the switch to another braille code.
We will be discussing the Grade 1 Mode and the Numeric Mode in this activity.
GRADE 1 MODE
Grade 1 mode occurs only when introduced by a grade 1 indicator or a numeric indicator. Always remember that a braille symbol may have several meanings:
- Grade 1 meaning
- Grade 2 meaning
- Numeric meaning
So, you must use an indicator to establish mode which thus determines the meaning.
NUMERIC MODE
The numeric mode is set by the numeric indicator. When the numeric indicator is used the numeric and grade one mode are in effect.
These symbols may occur in numeric mode:
- Ten digits
- Full stop/period
- Comma
- Simple numeric fraction line
(also the 10 numeric space digits and two line continuation indicator)
The numeric mode remains in effect unless it is terminated by a space, a hyphen, a dash, or a grade one indicator or any symbol not listed above.
When using a numeric indicator, grade 1 mode is in effect, a Grade1 indicator is not required unless a lowercase letter a-j follows a digit, full stop/period or comma.
- 32
- 4b
- 4B
- report3.doc
When Grade 1 is in effect, contractions may not used.
TREATMENT OF DATES, TIME, MONEY, ETC.
Remember to follow print punctuation and order of symbols. Answers for all items on MODE AND MORE will be provided next month (Oct. 2023).
- 7/11/59
- 7.11.59
- 1960s
- ‘70s and ‘80s
- 10:30 a. m.
- 10:30 am
- $8.75
- ₤8.75
- 2d
- M4G 3F8
- 13-cabs