This element should be used for deletion of shorter sequences of text, typically single words
or phrases. The
delSpan element should be used for longer sequences of text, for
those containing structural subdivisions, and for those containing overlapping additions and
deletions.
The text deleted must be at least partially legible, in order for the encoder to be able to
transcribe it. Illegible text within a deletion may be marked using the
gap tag to
signal that text is present but has not been transcribed. Attributes on the
gap
element may be used to indicate how much text is omitted, the reason for omitting it, etc. If
text is not fully legible, the
unclear element (available when using the additional
tagset for transcription of primary sources) should be used to signal the areas of text which
cannot be read with confidence in a similar way. See further sections
11.3.7 Text Omitted from or Supplied in the Transcription
and, for the close association of the
del tag with the
gap,
damage,
unclear and
supplied elements (the latter three tags available when using
the additional tagset for transcription of primary sources),
11.5.2 Use of the gap, del, damage, unclear, and supplied Elements in Combination.
