Phonography or stenography another name of shorthand also called Tachygraphy (swift writing) and Brachygraphy (short writing). Shorthand is in use for many Centuries as an ancient and historian tool for many writers. It is not just based on Orthography (normal spelling) than based on phonetics (the sounds of words). Art of shorthand has a long history going back to the ancient Writers. It was in the Roman Empire shorthand was used at first. For e.g. George Bernard Shaw wrote his plays in shorthand; Martin Luther’s sermons, and Shakespeare’s plays were all preserved by means of shorthand.
In the 18th Century, Shorthand was not used for just noting down the dictations by Secretaries or Court Reporters, If one traces the history, during 18th Century, it was used more for writing down one’s own thoughts or discreetly noting the conversation of others. Isaac Newton and Charles Dickens used it.
Sir Isaac Pitman's system (based on the way words sound or are pronounced) is considered to be the father of modern proven and established shorthand. Other systems which were invented in the earlier decades only short-lived. Pitman system enjoyed a spontaneous success and spread throughout the world. This system has been adapted in many languages in the world e.g. Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese and in India viz. Hindi & Tamil etc. Gregg system was not that popular
compared to the advantages of speed as well as legibility peculiar to the phonographic systems evolved by Sir Isaac Pitman.
Speed writing is taught in several languages. When the Stenotype machine (19th Century) which was invented by Ward Stone of Ireland did not stay-put for a longer duration. Stenography machine encoded a magnetic tape with machine notes for computer transcription. However, Stenotype machine stenography could not last long or gain superiority over the pen or pencil.
Shorthand is nothing but an accelerated way of writing for the spoken word i.e. to write as quickly as spoken or or addressed in a meeting viz Seminar, Conferences, to record court proceedings, etc. with an ability to record the spoken word without any flaw. Shorthand notes are intended either for immediate use or for later transcription to longhand i.e. English as and when necessary arises. maintaining confidentiality. Digital recordings need certain facilities transcribing, but one can go instantly to any part without searching for electricity or rewinding. Power shortage can do no harm to Shorthand Writers.
Shorthand learners have lot of opportunities for employment in the present days and there is a dearth of Stenographers both in Government, Public/Private Sectors. This job can be a stepping stone also.
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Respected Sir,
I am in the field of coaching Stenography for the past four and half decades. It has its high values as mentioned above
and it will not diminish at any point of time. Therefore, I want this message to be passed on to the younger generation.
Could you kindly publish the above material as an article in your leading Daily at your convenient time.
I shall be highly thankful if you could kindly do the needful please.
With regards and respects
Sincerely yours
Balasubramanian NR (71 years old) retired from DRDO (Min of Defence)
Phone : 044 26573830 Mobile 9444930132
