avoid topic/comment sentence structure

Here is an ASL grammar structure that transcribers should avoid!!

The most common grammar form in American Sign Language (ASL) is topic/comment, where a sentence begins with a stated topic, followed by a comment about that established topic.  While that topic/comment structure is right for ASL sign language interpreting, it is not right for transcribing.  That's because the reader expects written English grammar, in subject/verb/object form. 

Unexpected word order slows the reader down and can lead to confusion in quick, real-time reading.  Hence, when transcribing, avoid sentences like the topic/comment ones below:

Some techniques for texturing soil, I will show you today.

Three things to review for the test, the Teacher’s Assistant will tell you.

Instead, express those ideas in the subject-verb-object order of spoken/written English, like this:

I will show you some techniques for texturing soil today.

The Teacher’s Assistant will tell you three things to review for the test.

If you’re an interpreter, be aware of that difference in expected grammar structures between ASL and English transcribing.  Of course, ALL transcribers should be vigilant to avoid that particular non-English structure described above.