[Genealib] SOUNDEX CONFUSION

[Mara Munroe]

Janet, 

What someone is trying to tell you is that while the CZ combination is
coded as one sound unit, the vowel separating it means that the K codes
as a separate unit.  You don't *ignore* the CZ, but you don't consider
it when coding the K.  So T522.  That being said, I would still try T520
if I didn't find them in T522.  And then try D522. Soundex works around
a lot of mis-spellings and flexible spellings, but not all.    Around
here, the example of Knudsen/Knudson/Knutsen/Knutson/Knudtsen/Knudtson
all being K532 is easy and a familiar name (If I'm just explaining
generally why Soundex was invented, I don't bring up the potential for a
dropped K getting you N325).  

Mara B. Munroe
Local and Family History Librarian
Oshkosh Public Library
Oshkosh WI 54901-4985

-----Original Message-----
From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
[mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of janet
tomkins
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 11:48 AM
To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
Subject: [Genealib] SOUNDEX CONFUSION


Hi, I am hoping that someone can help me get a better  handle on one of
the
Soundex rules, specifically the one that states that if two consonants
have
the same soundex code and are separated by a vowel, the consonant to the
right of the vowel is coded, e.g. Tymczak, T-522.

I'm a little confused by the example (which I have seen on several web
pages).  The "T" and the "5" are straightforward.  But then comes
the "cz".  According to another Soundex rule, these should be coded as
one letter, because  "c" and "z" have the same Soundex code and are
adjacent.

Then comes the vowel and the "k".  As I read the first rule cited
above, one should then code the "k" (being to the right of the vowel)
and ignore the so-called single letter "cz".  This would yield a
Soundex code of T-520.

Can anyone elucidate this for me?  Or better yet, provide a more
straightforward example of the rule?  I know there are lots of online
Soundex converters, but I would like to understand the system properly.

Many thanks!
Janet Tomkins
Genealogy librarian
Vancouver Public Library
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