I am almost sure that you have gone through that time where you had to copy what a teacher said.. Previously with a notebook and a pen and now, with the computer, you went after the dictation without brake. In the end you managed to lose a lot of the text and resort to classmates to make a "copy and paste" of all the text. This can be done away with shorthand. Learn to type fast with these strange but useful symbols.
Even if they really look like doodles and you don't know what they are, these symbols were invented many centuries ago, specifically and according to an official version, the creator of this system is Xenophon. Philosopher, from the school of Socrates, soldier and Greek historian. By creating this symbology, you could reduce writing times, as happens in trials. Trials use systems based on this, to optimize time, since people speak very quickly.
What is shorthand and what is it used for?
Shorthand is a method of writing faster. In fact, its name comes from the Greek taquis and graphein. Which simply means "write fast". As we have said, the inventor of this was Xenophon, who was a disciple of Socrates, and invented this way to be able to transcribe the life of Socrates. This was later used in other times such as Roman times, until today.
The design of this way of writing, through different symbols, which seem unconnected with each other, it made you able to type much faster. About 200 words per minute, something unaffordable for any current word, such as Spanish.
This design consists of writing different symbols or abbreviated words in short strokes, that allow you to write everything that is spoken. As you can see in the images in this article, the scribbles that many will see give meaning to a Catholic "Our Father" in various shorthand systems. Subsequently, these different systems became popular as a result of the high demand in the industrial revolution..
The systems that were devised were due to the different languages spoken in each region. Although it is said that one of the most effective in this era was the Spanish. This system of shorthand in Spain was created by Francisco de Paula Martí Mora, who was a Spanish cryptographer, engraver, and playwright.
The different styles of shorthand
Today there are already several styles by which you can learn shorthand, if you would like to opt for this profession. Or also as a curious hobby. The best known styles are those of Gregg, Pitman and Teeline. But there are up to a total of 6 different styles. Two of these, the Gregg or Pitman style are the best known. and better adapted to write faster.
As we said before, you can write up to 200 words per minute and they are using these two styles. This is because these two systems are based on sound and not on the number of words.. This, today is easier due to the full recording of them, but as we were talking about, it is still used in places such as trials or the congress of deputies.
The other system, Teeline, is another of the most used, but this is not based on sound and it is something that slows it down.. But it is still used in England for professional journalism. The good thing about this system is that it is easier to remember and learn than the previous ones.
Do you want to learn these systems?
To learn any of these systems you have to take into account a number of things. The first thing you should do is know the use you are going to give it. If it is simply a hobby or you want to access a job for it. These systems, with the new visual forms that we have to record and repeat infinitely, may lose meaning over the years, it is something that you should also take into account.
Once you know what use you are going to give it, it is recommended that you choose one of the styles and be that for which you form. Since trying to learn several at the same time is quite complex. These systems vary by their level of learning, by the speed of writing, and by the type of "scribble."
You can search the internet for different tutorials or books about shorthand that you might use to start with. You can also find paid courses, with degrees about this that are more complete and can be very useful. Especially if your motivation would be to find work for it.
With this, you will have to do tasks every day to stimulate your brain with this “new language” What are you going to learn? Practice aloud everything you are writing and do the practical exercises, if you acquire training. Do you dare to learn a new writing system?