WELCOME MY DEAR FELLOW PITMANITES & PARTICIPANTS OF THIS
SESSION ON ENGLISH SHORTHAND Past, Present & Future
Slide 3
Shorthand An Introduction Shorthand is an abbreviated symbolic
writing method that increases speed and brevity of writing as
compared to a normal method of writing a language. This process of
writing in shorthand is called stenography. It is derived from the
Greek wordsGreek stenos (narrow) and graph or graphie (writing). It
has also been called brachygraphy, from Greek brachys (short)
graphie (writing) and tachygraphy, from Greek tachys (swift,
speedy), graphie (writing) Shorthand An Introduction Shorthand is
an abbreviated symbolic writing method that increases speed and
brevity of writing as compared to a normal method of writing a
language. This process of writing in shorthand is called
stenography. It is derived from the Greek wordsGreek stenos
(narrow) and graph or graphie (writing). It has also been called
brachygraphy, from Greek brachys (short) graphie (writing) and
tachygraphy, from Greek tachys (swift, speedy), graphie
(writing)
Slide 4
The characters used in shorthand systems tend to be based on
two main approaches, script or cursive -- these systems use
letters, signs or symbols derived from normal handwriting or print
forms based on the Roman alphabet. geometric -- These systems use
an arbitrary alphabet of signs or characters which may be derived
from a geometric pattern such as a circle or ellipse. The signs may
be angular or they may follow the slope of normal handwriting.
Similarly, there have been two principal abbreviation approaches;
Orthography -- systems based on the way words are spelled.
Phonography -- systems based on the way words sounds are
pronounced. The characters used in shorthand systems tend to be
based on two main approaches, script or cursive -- these systems
use letters, signs or symbols derived from normal handwriting or
print forms based on the Roman alphabet. geometric -- These systems
use an arbitrary alphabet of signs or characters which may be
derived from a geometric pattern such as a circle or ellipse. The
signs may be angular or they may follow the slope of normal
handwriting. Similarly, there have been two principal abbreviation
approaches; Orthography -- systems based on the way words are
spelled. Phonography -- systems based on the way words sounds are
pronounced.
Slide 5
Early shorthand systems tended to use the orthographic approach
but most of the more successful systems from the eighteenth century
onwards have used the phonographic approach. Shorthand was
considered an essential part of secretarial training as well as
being useful for journalists. In addition, shorthand has been used
through the centuries as a cultural tool: George Bernard Shaw wrote
his plays in shorthand; Samuel Pepys recorded his diary in
shorthand; Ciceros orations, Martin Luthers sermons, and
Shakespeares plays were all preserved by means of shorthand. Early
shorthand systems tended to use the orthographic approach but most
of the more successful systems from the eighteenth century onwards
have used the phonographic approach. Shorthand was considered an
essential part of secretarial training as well as being useful for
journalists. In addition, shorthand has been used through the
centuries as a cultural tool: George Bernard Shaw wrote his plays
in shorthand; Samuel Pepys recorded his diary in shorthand; Ciceros
orations, Martin Luthers sermons, and Shakespeares plays were all
preserved by means of shorthand.
Slide 6
Origin and Development The earliest known indication of
shorthand systems is from Ancient Greece, namely the Acropolis
stone (Akropolisstein) from mid-4th century BC. The marble slab
shows a writing system primarily based on vowels, using certain
modifications to indicate consonants.Ancient GreeceAcropolis4th
century BC HellenisticHellenistic tachygraphy is reported from the
2nd century BC onwards, though there are indications that it might
be older. It consisted of word stem signs and word ending signs.
Over a period, many syllabic signs were developed.2nd century BC
The oldest datable reference is a contract from Middle Egypt,
stating that Oxyrhynchos gives his Greek slave to the
"semeiographer" Apollonios for two years to be taught shorthand
writing.Egypt Origin and Development The earliest known indication
of shorthand systems is from Ancient Greece, namely the Acropolis
stone (Akropolisstein) from mid-4th century BC. The marble slab
shows a writing system primarily based on vowels, using certain
modifications to indicate consonants.Ancient GreeceAcropolis4th
century BC HellenisticHellenistic tachygraphy is reported from the
2nd century BC onwards, though there are indications that it might
be older. It consisted of word stem signs and word ending signs.
Over a period, many syllabic signs were developed.2nd century BC
The oldest datable reference is a contract from Middle Egypt,
stating that Oxyrhynchos gives his Greek slave to the
"semeiographer" Apollonios for two years to be taught shorthand
writing.Egypt
Slide 7
In Ancient Rome, Marcus Tullius Tiro (103 BC4 BC), a slave and
later a freedman of Cicero, developed the Tironian notes so he
could write down Cicero's speeches.Ancient RomeMarcus Tullius
Tiro103 BC4 BCfreedmanCiceroTironian notes The Tironian notes
consisted of word stem abbreviations (notae) and of word ending
abbreviations (titulae). The original Tironian notes consisted of
about 4000 signs but new signs were introduced so that their number
might increase to as many as 13,000. After the decline of the Roman
Empire, the Tironian notes were not used any more to transcribe
speeches and they were mostly forgotten.decline of the Roman Empire
When many monastery libraries were secularized in the course of the
16th century Protestant Reformation, long-forgotten manuscripts of
Tironian notes were rediscovered.monasterysecularized16th
centuryProtestant Reformation In Ancient Rome, Marcus Tullius Tiro
(103 BC4 BC), a slave and later a freedman of Cicero, developed the
Tironian notes so he could write down Cicero's speeches.Ancient
RomeMarcus Tullius Tiro103 BC4 BCfreedmanCiceroTironian notes The
Tironian notes consisted of word stem abbreviations (notae) and of
word ending abbreviations (titulae). The original Tironian notes
consisted of about 4000 signs but new signs were introduced so that
their number might increase to as many as 13,000. After the decline
of the Roman Empire, the Tironian notes were not used any more to
transcribe speeches and they were mostly forgotten.decline of the
Roman Empire When many monastery libraries were secularized in the
course of the 16th century Protestant Reformation, long-forgotten
manuscripts of Tironian notes were
rediscovered.monasterysecularized16th centuryProtestant
Reformation
Slide 8
Slide 9
Sir Isaac Pitman Isaac Pitman (b.1813-1897) published his work
Stenographic Sound-Hand in 1837. This marked a new era in the
development of phonetic shorthand systems. It is one of the most
important geometric systems of shorthand. Sir Isaac Pitman Isaac
Pitman (b.1813-1897) published his work Stenographic Sound-Hand in
1837. This marked a new era in the development of phonetic
shorthand systems. It is one of the most important geometric
systems of shorthand. Simple geometrical lines furnish the signs
for the phonographic Alphabet. To each sign may be appended hooks,
circles and loops of two sizes, initial and final. Each sign may be
halved and the curves are halved and doubled in length and each
sign may be used in three positions.
Slide 10
Slide 11
In the Pitman method all words are written according to their
sounds and the consonant alphabet is based on the pattern uses
paired thick and thin strokes, shallow curves, circles, loops,
hooks, etc. A thick stroke represents the heavier sound of the
similar thin stroke, e.g. D is a thickened T. Pitman's shorthand is
a masterpiece of word abbreviation but has a multiplicity of rules,
alternatives and exceptions which makes it somewhat difficult to
learn. A hook precursor sign written in different positions is used
to indicate R and L. A final hook may represent N, F or V depending
on the preceding letter. Vowels are indicated by inserting light
and heavy dots or dashes as diacritic marks. These are placed in
any of three positions before or after a consonant sign according
to their sound and where they occur in a word. In the Pitman method
all words are written according to their sounds and the consonant
alphabet is based on the pattern uses paired thick and thin
strokes, shallow curves, circles, loops, hooks, etc. A thick stroke
represents the heavier sound of the similar thin stroke, e.g. D is
a thickened T. Pitman's shorthand is a masterpiece of word
abbreviation but has a multiplicity of rules, alternatives and
exceptions which makes it somewhat difficult to learn. A hook
precursor sign written in different positions is used to indicate R
and L. A final hook may represent N, F or V depending on the
preceding letter. Vowels are indicated by inserting light and heavy
dots or dashes as diacritic marks. These are placed in any of three
positions before or after a consonant sign according to their sound
and where they occur in a word.
Slide 12
In addition, word outlines can be written in three positions,
above, on or below the line of writing, relating to the sound of
the vowel. Advanced writers can then omit most of the diacritic
vowel signs and rely on indicating the vowel sounds by the position
of the outline. Pitman himself changed his sign alphabet and
published numerous editions of the method (these appeared yearly
between 1871 and 1894. The complex system of word abbreviation has
been progressively simplified over the years, but the system
remains powerful although time-consuming to learn and practise. A
list of about 500 known and verifiable shorthand systems were there
and the list will be shown to you at the end of this presentation,
for information purpose. In addition, word outlines can be written
in three positions, above, on or below the line of writing,
relating to the sound of the vowel. Advanced writers can then omit
most of the diacritic vowel signs and rely on indicating the vowel
sounds by the position of the outline. Pitman himself changed his
sign alphabet and published numerous editions of the method (these
appeared yearly between 1871 and 1894. The complex system of word
abbreviation has been progressively simplified over the years, but
the system remains powerful although time-consuming to learn and
practise. A list of about 500 known and verifiable shorthand
systems were there and the list will be shown to you at the end of
this presentation, for information purpose.
Slide 13
Pitmans shorthand its supremacy Pitmans system classifies the
sounds of a language into basic groups and make use of simple
abbreviations for rapidity. These basic groups of Pitmans system,
i.e. explodents, continuants, nasals, liquids, coalescents, and
aspirate can be found from the almost similar groups in our
Sanskrit alphabet like ka, ga / cha ja / ta da / pa ba / ya ra la
va sa sha ha, etc., which proves that Pitman has formed the
consonants in a scientific and practical way. Consonants are drawn
from simple geometrical signs, straight lines, and shallow curves.
As far as possible they are paired; thus, a light slanted line
stands for p and a heavier slanted line for b, a light vertical
line stands for t and a heavier one for d, and so on. Pitmans
shorthand its supremacy Pitmans system classifies the sounds of a
language into basic groups and make use of simple abbreviations for
rapidity. These basic groups of Pitmans system, i.e. explodents,
continuants, nasals, liquids, coalescents, and aspirate can be
found from the almost similar groups in our Sanskrit alphabet like
ka, ga / cha ja / ta da / pa ba / ya ra la va sa sha ha, etc.,
which proves that Pitman has formed the consonants in a scientific
and practical way. Consonants are drawn from simple geometrical
signs, straight lines, and shallow curves. As far as possible they
are paired; thus, a light slanted line stands for p and a heavier
slanted line for b, a light vertical line stands for t and a
heavier one for d, and so on.
Slide 14
Vowels are indicated by disjoined dots and dashes that are
placed in specific positions relative to the consonants and the
line of writing. The system makes use of circles, loops, and hooks
for sounds frequently used in consonant combinations and syllables
(e.g., for s, st, str, spr, and -ter, -der, -tion) which are easy
to write alone or combined with other strokes. Syllables are also
added by halving or doubling the length of a consonant stroke. Here
we find that by halving a stroke, i.e. by reducing the time to
write a stroke to half of its length, we will be recording two
syllables, a great advantage in speed writing. Pitman shorthand was
introduced into the United States in 1852; among the many languages
to which it has been adapted are Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, Persian,
German, French, Spanish, and Dutch. Vowels are indicated by
disjoined dots and dashes that are placed in specific positions
relative to the consonants and the line of writing. The system
makes use of circles, loops, and hooks for sounds frequently used
in consonant combinations and syllables (e.g., for s, st, str, spr,
and -ter, -der, -tion) which are easy to write alone or combined
with other strokes. Syllables are also added by halving or doubling
the length of a consonant stroke. Here we find that by halving a
stroke, i.e. by reducing the time to write a stroke to half of its
length, we will be recording two syllables, a great advantage in
speed writing. Pitman shorthand was introduced into the United
States in 1852; among the many languages to which it has been
adapted are Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, Persian, German, French,
Spanish, and Dutch.
Slide 15
Still Pitmans system is alone being used in India and Asian
countries. It is still being used in UK besides Teeline which can
not be used for high speed writing. In US Pitman and Gregg systems
are being used.
Slide 16
Teaching Methods of shorthand Shorthand is taught in different
ways by different teachers/ institutions. They are discussed
briefly. The Deductive Method: In this method, the students are
taught the rules first, with illustrative examples, and then they
apply these rules to new outlines. Most of the shorthand teachers
in India follow this method. Teaching Methods of shorthand
Shorthand is taught in different ways by different teachers/
institutions. They are discussed briefly. The Deductive Method: In
this method, the students are taught the rules first, with
illustrative examples, and then they apply these rules to new
outlines. Most of the shorthand teachers in India follow this
method.
Slide 17
The Inductive Method: By this method, students are given a
number of examples to examine, and then with the help of teacher,
discover the rules for themselves. Writing Exercises and
Examination Tests, containing about 40000 words graded according to
rules, is an invaluable boon for the teacher using this method. The
advantage of the inductive method is that learning is usually more
vivid and lasting where students reason the rules for themselves;
the disadvantage is that the presentation of new work tends to take
up too much time in the teaching period. The Modern Course, is
designed for use with the inductive method. The Inductive Method:
By this method, students are given a number of examples to examine,
and then with the help of teacher, discover the rules for
themselves. Writing Exercises and Examination Tests, containing
about 40000 words graded according to rules, is an invaluable boon
for the teacher using this method. The advantage of the inductive
method is that learning is usually more vivid and lasting where
students reason the rules for themselves; the disadvantage is that
the presentation of new work tends to take up too much time in the
teaching period. The Modern Course, is designed for use with the
inductive method.
Slide 18
The Direct Method: Apart from some early instruction on
consonants and vowels, rules, as far as practicable, are ignored.
The students are given outlines to learn and these are dictated and
re-dictated in context until they are able to write at speed. The
Modern Course is the most suitable textbook for this method. From
about 80+ wpm, it becomes necessary for the students to have a
better grasp of the underlying structure of the system and it would
be advantageous to work through A Students Review of Pitmans
Shorthand. The experienced teacher will find that a combination of
Deductive Method and Direct Method achieves the best results. The
Direct Method: Apart from some early instruction on consonants and
vowels, rules, as far as practicable, are ignored. The students are
given outlines to learn and these are dictated and re-dictated in
context until they are able to write at speed. The Modern Course is
the most suitable textbook for this method. From about 80+ wpm, it
becomes necessary for the students to have a better grasp of the
underlying structure of the system and it would be advantageous to
work through A Students Review of Pitmans Shorthand. The
experienced teacher will find that a combination of Deductive
Method and Direct Method achieves the best results.
Slide 19
In the present days, online coaching is made available by many
enthusiastic teachers or institutions/associations. Shorthand can
be taught using virtual class room, personalized portals, fully
hosted platforms made available by many web companies, such as
wiziq.com, at a very nominal pricing. These virtual class-rooms can
be used where teacher-student interface is difficult. Using the
multi-media, the students can learn the subject at their own pace.
Try to visit the websites: http://pitmanshorthand.homestead.com/
http://www.long-live-pitmans-shorthand.org.uk/
http://www.nssbooks.com/shorthand.php
http://www.stenold.org/onlineshand.html In the present days, online
coaching is made available by many enthusiastic teachers or
institutions/associations. Shorthand can be taught using virtual
class room, personalized portals, fully hosted platforms made
available by many web companies, such as wiziq.com, at a very
nominal pricing. These virtual class-rooms can be used where
teacher-student interface is difficult. Using the multi-media, the
students can learn the subject at their own pace. Try to visit the
websites: http://pitmanshorthand.homestead.com/
http://www.long-live-pitmans-shorthand.org.uk/
http://www.nssbooks.com/shorthand.php
http://www.stenold.org/onlineshand.html
Slide 20
Availability of material for Shorthand practice and development
It is understood that Pitmans sold their publications division to
Pearson Education. Now Pearson are publishing the new era edition
of Instructor only in India. However, M/s. Leema Publications,
Allahabad are publishing few new era books such as Instructor with
Key, 700 Common Words Reading and Dictation Exercises, Pocket and
Medium size shorthand dictionaries, Big size Pitman shorthand
Dictionary with English meanings, New Phonographic Phrase Book, New
Era New Course and its Key. Some practice material is made
available by National Shorthand School (Books), Visakhapatnam, M/s.
Laxmi Prasuram, Trichy, Guru for Shorthand, Jammu, Bhagwan
Associates, Bangalore, and some online shops like infibeam, ebay,
flipcart,etc. Availability of material for Shorthand practice and
development It is understood that Pitmans sold their publications
division to Pearson Education. Now Pearson are publishing the new
era edition of Instructor only in India. However, M/s. Leema
Publications, Allahabad are publishing few new era books such as
Instructor with Key, 700 Common Words Reading and Dictation
Exercises, Pocket and Medium size shorthand dictionaries, Big size
Pitman shorthand Dictionary with English meanings, New Phonographic
Phrase Book, New Era New Course and its Key. Some practice material
is made available by National Shorthand School (Books),
Visakhapatnam, M/s. Laxmi Prasuram, Trichy, Guru for Shorthand,
Jammu, Bhagwan Associates, Bangalore, and some online shops like
infibeam, ebay, flipcart,etc.
Slide 21
Job opportunities Recent trends Since 2000 onwards, due to the
advent of computers in every field of life, the strength of
students opting to learn Shorthand started declining. At the same
time, there has been a change in the attitude of parents to send
their children to typewriting and shorthand classes. They prefer
their wards to learn computers in the summer vacations and continue
the same practice in computer learning besides regular coaching in
class-rooms. This paved the way to closure of many twin arts
institutions in India. The comparative advantage in learning
computers instead of shorthand is that the time consumed to learn
the subject is very short and there was demand for various jobs in
the computer related employment. Job opportunities Recent trends
Since 2000 onwards, due to the advent of computers in every field
of life, the strength of students opting to learn Shorthand started
declining. At the same time, there has been a change in the
attitude of parents to send their children to typewriting and
shorthand classes. They prefer their wards to learn computers in
the summer vacations and continue the same practice in computer
learning besides regular coaching in class-rooms. This paved the
way to closure of many twin arts institutions in India. The
comparative advantage in learning computers instead of shorthand is
that the time consumed to learn the subject is very short and there
was demand for various jobs in the computer related
employment.
Slide 22
In the meantime, the working strength of stenographers in
public and private sectors started reducing due to retirements,
etc. Now it has come to an alarming situation that there are
hundreds of vacancies of senior stenographers and reporters in the
courts of many States in India which could not be filled for want
of qualified shorthand writers. Many State Public Service
Commissions have advertised for filling up the posts of
Stenographers in various grades but it is understood that the
number of applications received from qualified people are less than
the advertised vacancies. It is observed at present, that many of
the students are showing interest to learn shorthand but the
Institutions and private teachers have stopped teaching shorthand
due to scanty response in the previous years. In the meantime, the
working strength of stenographers in public and private sectors
started reducing due to retirements, etc. Now it has come to an
alarming situation that there are hundreds of vacancies of senior
stenographers and reporters in the courts of many States in India
which could not be filled for want of qualified shorthand writers.
Many State Public Service Commissions have advertised for filling
up the posts of Stenographers in various grades but it is
understood that the number of applications received from qualified
people are less than the advertised vacancies. It is observed at
present, that many of the students are showing interest to learn
shorthand but the Institutions and private teachers have stopped
teaching shorthand due to scanty response in the previous
years.
Slide 23
To overcome the situation, I am of the opinion that we should
plan to teach shorthand electronically, using the multi-media
(audio and video) bundling the required books to learn and complete
the course by the student himself (individually) at home, at his
convenience. Subsequently, they may start developing the speeds
using the audio CDs with relevant printed material and few other
reference books available in the market. There are a number of
enthusiasts hosting websites offering the coaching in Pitmans
shorthand free of cost, as stated earlier. To overcome the
situation, I am of the opinion that we should plan to teach
shorthand electronically, using the multi-media (audio and video)
bundling the required books to learn and complete the course by the
student himself (individually) at home, at his convenience.
Subsequently, they may start developing the speeds using the audio
CDs with relevant printed material and few other reference books
available in the market. There are a number of enthusiasts hosting
websites offering the coaching in Pitmans shorthand free of cost,
as stated earlier.
Slide 24
Present examination system in India Examination system is in
existence in the southern States of India and Maharashtra. The
syllabus and examination pattern is different from State to State,
as the technical education is in the Concurrent List. The
examination duration for 60wpm, 80wpm, 100wpm and 120 wpm, has been
reduced to 7 minutes from 10 minutes. The 7 minutes dictation
varies i.e. 5 min passage + 2 min letter or 4 min passage + 3
minutes letter from State to State and within the State. Present
examination system in India Examination system is in existence in
the southern States of India and Maharashtra. The syllabus and
examination pattern is different from State to State, as the
technical education is in the Concurrent List. The examination
duration for 60wpm, 80wpm, 100wpm and 120 wpm, has been reduced to
7 minutes from 10 minutes. The 7 minutes dictation varies i.e. 5
min passage + 2 min letter or 4 min passage + 3 minutes letter from
State to State and within the State.
Slide 25
Though the duration for lower (junior)/ inter/senior is common
for speed paper, there is a vast difference in the second paper
i.e. theory part. Since the object of examination is to test the
knowledge of the student in the subject, it may be right on the
part of individual States to prepare their own pattern of
examination as far as theory is concerned. It is also pointed out
that many States of India do not organize examinations in the
subject of shorthand and hence the shorthand students from those
States do not possess any certificates. This could be the reason
why the Central Government (Staff Selection Commission) do not
prescribe any qualification for filling up the posts of lower cadre
Stenographers. Though the duration for lower (junior)/ inter/senior
is common for speed paper, there is a vast difference in the second
paper i.e. theory part. Since the object of examination is to test
the knowledge of the student in the subject, it may be right on the
part of individual States to prepare their own pattern of
examination as far as theory is concerned. It is also pointed out
that many States of India do not organize examinations in the
subject of shorthand and hence the shorthand students from those
States do not possess any certificates. This could be the reason
why the Central Government (Staff Selection Commission) do not
prescribe any qualification for filling up the posts of lower cadre
Stenographers.
Slide 26
It is also observed that the way of dictation to the students
is varying. In South India, the punctuation marks are not read
while dictating the passage, whereas in North India, the
punctuation marks are read. There is a necessity to take up with
the Governments that the examinations for shorthand students be
made uniform. It is also observed that the way of dictation to the
students is varying. In South India, the punctuation marks are not
read while dictating the passage, whereas in North India, the
punctuation marks are read. There is a necessity to take up with
the Governments that the examinations for shorthand students be
made uniform.
Slide 27
Future Prospects Taking into account, the present scenario, one
can assess that every student of shorthand with reasonable
knowledge and speed in writing will have no difficulty in getting a
job in private or government institutions. Though the computer has
entered into every nook and corner of our lives, still there needs
a lot of improvement in computers ability to replace a stenographer
or a personal assistant or a private secretary, etc. etc. The
computer by itself cannot correct the mistakes dictated to it,
cannot instantly read it back and adjust the sentence according to
the subsequent changes in thought, cannot understand the boss and
his mind, cannot type letters with oral instructions of a boss,
etc. etc. In view of the reasons stated above, there is no threat
immediately or in the near future, from the computer to the jobs of
stenographers. Future Prospects Taking into account, the present
scenario, one can assess that every student of shorthand with
reasonable knowledge and speed in writing will have no difficulty
in getting a job in private or government institutions. Though the
computer has entered into every nook and corner of our lives, still
there needs a lot of improvement in computers ability to replace a
stenographer or a personal assistant or a private secretary, etc.
etc. The computer by itself cannot correct the mistakes dictated to
it, cannot instantly read it back and adjust the sentence according
to the subsequent changes in thought, cannot understand the boss
and his mind, cannot type letters with oral instructions of a boss,
etc. etc. In view of the reasons stated above, there is no threat
immediately or in the near future, from the computer to the jobs of
stenographers.