# Reader Translation Layer V0

status: draft_translation_boundary
date: 2026-06-20

## Purpose

Internal cognitive processing can use Wantsong's model vocabulary, formulas, metaphors, layered reasoning, and mechanism chains.

Reader-facing output cannot simply expose that internal trace. It must translate the result into language a reader can use.

## Output Modes

M0-M1 recognizes these modes:

- `R0_internal_trace`: internal analysis record for owner inspection.
- `R1_owner_brief`: compact owner-facing quality summary.
- `R2_reader_explanation`: explanation for a normal reader.
- `R3_publishable_draft`: future writing-workbench draft.
- `R4_product_response`: future product answer.

v0.1 targets only `R0_internal_trace` and `R2_reader_explanation`.

## Translation Operations

Reader translation performs four operations:

1. Terminology translation: replace model jargon with ordinary language.
2. Structure translation: reorder the reasoning so a reader can follow it.
3. Example translation: use concrete examples to carry abstract mechanisms.
4. Action translation: turn insight into "how to see this / what to consider next".

## What To Preserve

- core insight;
- mechanism;
- boundaries;
- Wantsong-style distinction and depth;
- practical next way to think.

## What To Remove Or Compress

- full model trace;
- unnecessary formulas;
- seven-layer expansion when only three layers matter;
- governance vocabulary;
- generic disclaimers;
- marketing exaggeration.

## Boundary

This layer is defined now because it changes model-card requirements. The actual translation prompt is not created in M0-M1.