Transcripts often include a number of ‘tags’ used either to replace a certain part of the audio or to denote a special situation with that part of the audio. Here’s a handy list that explains where and why we use these tags.
phonetic
This tag is used when a word or portion of audio isn’t clear but we are able to judge fairly certainly what was spoken.. The user is advised to confirm if the word/phrase inserted before the tag is correct.
audio gap
Denotes a break in the audio where nothing is spoken for a considerable period of time.
cross talk
The {cross-talk} tag is used for portions of the audio where there are two or more people talking at the same time and the audio is difficult to definitively understand.
discussion out of context
Used for portions of the audio where the speakers talk about topics which are not relevant to the main conversation. This includes deviations to discuss personal matters, exchange pleasantries, pick up phone calls, take refreshment breaks or suchlike, which aren’t important to the main conversation.
foreign language
Used when the conversation includes a portion spoken in a language other than the one in which the audio is being transcribed.
profane language
Added when the speaker uses an abusive term or profanity. Such words are deleted and this tag is inserted. However in situations wherein the strong language is integral to the subject matter of the conversation, this tag is not used. You may also give us a directive to use this tag or avoid it, if you’re aware of the strong language in the audio.
off the record
In certain conversations, especially interviews, the speaker wishes to make comments or statements off-the-record. These portions will be included in the transcript but tagged {off the record},in order to safeguard the sensitive and confidential nature of the information.