While transcribing old archives is very interesting and useful, it is a tedious process that at some points can be frustrating. However with the right introduction and knowledge of what exactly is being transcribed, the process seemingly swift.
The transcription process of archives such as the Powell Diary require a knowledge base of certain characters and symbols that were used throughout that time period, as well as an open mind, as certain words were frequently misspelled or abbreviated, making it somewhat difficult to understand. The Powell Diary was also written in two different languages, incorporating German into the English, which at times was confusing. Because the diary was written hundreds of years ago, most likely under candlelight, the handwriting was at times illegible with smudges and difficult to read. The most common issue I faced while reading the diary were the abbreviations for “the,” “that,” “Mrs,” and “Mr.”
The Moravians had specific symbols for these words which at first, were difficult to transcribe. Once familiar with the language and the way in which the diary was written, the process became easier.