FamilySearch Indexing tip: Account for all the bumps

"Account for all the bumps" is a shorthand way of saying that all the bumps, strokes and dots could theoretically match the letters you have in mind.

As you try to figure out what a word or name might be, try and account for all the bumps. Different letters have a different number of bumps. A lowercase m has 3 while n has 2. Lowercase u, v, x, y also have 2. Sometimes lowercase a and o appear to have 2. Lowercase e, i, j, l, r, s and t all have 1 bump. Often, there isn't a lot of difference among some letters. My point is, if the bumps don't fit, you must a... er... you must reconsider.

Let's look at an example. The word in the illustration below gave me problems.

Put a check mark in front of each of the following choices that you think account for all the bumps. Don't worry that these aren't real words.

Einsbin — I think so, assuming there's no dot on the first i and that is sb in the middle. It's a stretch, but all the bumps are accounted for.

Enelein — I don't think so; this leaves an extra bump in the first half of the word.

Euirlim — The r in the middle would have to be pretty sloppy, but yes, I think Euirlim accounts for all the bumps.

Emeliur — That E in the middle would be pretty unusual, but if you're right, then this one works.

Let's look at another example.

Which of the following account for all the bumps. Again, don't worry that these aren't real words.

M@Kemir — While you've  accounted for all the "bumps" above the baseline, I don't think you've accounted for the descending loop.

McKeizir — No, I think you've got too many bumps in your z.

In closing, "account for all the bumps" is really just a shorthand way of saying that all the bumps, strokes and dots could theoretically match the letters you have in mind.

So, what do you think the two words are? Leave me a comment with your answer. Next week I'll give my answers. Stayed tuned.