Parentheses, periods, hyphens, spaces, a combination of these? Is the web agency that I do business with correct to put periods in phone numbers? Do parentheses still have their place at the beginning of the number? Is a hyphen or space needed between the area code and number? If you are asking any of these questions, this post is for you.
A Bit of History
It is already many years ago that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) introduced ten-digit local dialling, which requires dialling the area code to make a local call. Why? To rectify the lack of telephone numbers in Canada. The same phone number can serve two area codes, which multiplies the amount of available phone numbers. The problem is that we are not yet dialled in to this new reality (well not so new…)
Are Parentheses Still Used?
No! Previously, the area code was in parentheses because it was optional. You can guess the rest…
Periods: Just a Fad?
Yes! Although particularly aesthetic and modern looking, periods in phone numbers are incorrect. You can read an article (French) from the BDL on this subject.
A Hyphen or Space after the Area Code?
There seems to be no consensus here. The Telecommunications Alliance, the Association des compagnies de téléphone and the Office québécois de la langue française recommend the use of a space after the area code and then a hyphen (514 800-1942/1 833 277-SLRR). However, the Canadian Numbering Administrator (CNA) recommends a hyphen after the area code (418-431-4287). That is also what the Translation Bureau advises federal employees to do.
How Do Translations into English Fit in with All This?
There is also no consensus in English. The Translation Bureau recommends the same method as in French, for example: 514-800-1942/1-833-277-SLRR. The Ontario Style Guide, meanwhile, suggests following the OQLF’s recommendation of a space after the area code (514 800-1942).
— Remember —
Forget about parentheses and periods. After the area code, you are free to put a space or a dash. 514 800-1942 and 514-800-1942 are entirely correct in both French and English.
We bet that you’ll pay more attention to phone numbers now!
SLRR Translation Agency
