Is it okay to use parentheticals and footnotes on final transcripts?
For purposes of this writing, parenthetical remarks are defined as the transcriber/ translators own words enclosed in brackets such as [sic] and do not refer to markers for non-lexical events, non-human vocalizations and background noises enclosed in parentheses. Vocalized non-lexical events such as coughing, whistling, etc. and markers or indicators for background noises such as overlapping voices, music, phone ringing, etc. and non-human vocalizations such as dog barking or birds chirping, are not considered translator notes or interjections but merely markers or a depiction of the environment in which the conversation is taking place. Same are depicted in parentheses. Brackets are reserved for translator interjections such as [sic]. Based on case law and our experience, parentheticals are more of a hindrance than a help in the transcripts. A transcript filled with parenthetical translator notes, which are in effect interjections by the transcriber/translator, detract from the readab
