[UEB Maths] Word indicators again

[Phippen, Stephen]

To: UEB Maths
From: Stephen Phippen
Date: 14 July 2005

Thinking (dreaming!) obout our conversation a few hours ago, and being =
concerned that we don't dig ourselves into a hole as regards the word =
(function) indicator mechanism, I wonder if a formulation on the lines =
of the following might be possible, first establishing a general =
principle, and then options: (Note that I have written this fairly =
quickly, and there are probably gaps to be filled in.)

"In mathematical and similar contexts where italic font is used to =
distinguish algebraic letters from embedded words or word fragments =
(e.g. as used for functions such as sin and cos), such word fragments =
should be separated from adjacent ordinary algebraic letters, to avoid =
ambiguity.

"This may be achieved by spacing, or by using the word indicator =
described below.

"The word indicator method is generally recommended for functions, such =
as trigonometric fuctions, log, etc., as it is normally more compact, =
and by avoiding the need for extra spaces provides a better presentation =
of mathematical expressions. This method is also more secure in avoiding =
ambiguity as it provides a direct distinction between such functions and =
algebraic letters, as opposed to only a partially implied distinction, =
as when spacing is used.

"When the word indicator method is employed it should be used =
consistently within a work for the chosen category of word fragments, =
and not just where they are adjacent to algebraic letters.

"Where the normal font distinction between functions and algebraic =
letters is not made in the particular print being transcribed, it may be =
a transcription policy still to use the word indicator method as if the =
distinction had been made. However, the word indicator method should not =
be used in contexts where a font distinction is inappropriate, e.g. when =
mathematical functions are written in a computer program.

"It is not expected that the word indicator method would be used for =
unit abbreviations."

Then the rules for the word indicator would be listed, followed by =
examples illustrating both methods.

I will leave this for now (as I have to dash to a BAUK meeting), but I =
thought I had better air this slight change of stance from what we said, =
to see if others agree.

By the way, I enjoyed the teleconference, and think it was very =
productive.

Regards,
Stephen

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