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2.7 Special Symbol Opcodes

These opcodes define certain symbols, such as the decimal point, which require special treatment.

decpoint character dots

This opcode defines the decimal point. It is useful if your Braille code requires the decimal separator to show as a dot pattern different from the normal representation of this character, i.e. period or comma. In addition, it allows the notation ‘.001’ to be translated correctly. This notation is common in some languages instead of ‘0.001’ (no leading 0). When you use the decpoint opcode, the decimal point will be taken to be part of the number and correctly preceded by number sign.

The character operand must have only one character. For example, in en-us-g1.ctb we have:

decpoint . 46
hyphen character dots

This opcode defines the hyphen, that is, the character used in compound words such as ‘have-nots’. The back-translator uses it to determine the end of individual words.