This Strange Script Was Invented To Take Notes Easier, But To Many It’s Unrecognizable Maybe you know what this is 😮 check first comment 👇
In today’s digital era, note-taking has been streamlined with the aid of technology. Apps and recording devices simplify the task of documenting meetings, conversations, and ideas. However, prior to these innovations, note-taking was a more intricate process. Shorthand, a method of rapid writing, played a crucial role in this regard.
Historically, shorthand can be traced back to its origins with the Greek historian Xenophon, but it gained prominence during the Roman Empire. The Latin shorthand system enabled individuals to transcribe spoken words swiftly. Over a span of more than a millennium, this method remained prevalent until it gradually faded into obscurity during the Middle Ages.
Following a significant hiatus, shorthand experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian Era. Its utility was also recognized during the Reformation, facilitating the rapid notation of Bible translations. Subsequently, the demand for stenographers during the Industrial Revolution spurred the evolution of modern shorthand.
In 1837, Sir Isaac Pitman introduced a contemporary shorthand system, which his brother introduced to America in 1852. Although the Pitman style gained widespread adoption in Britain, it was eventually supplanted in the United States by the method devised by John Robert Gregg. Originally termed Light-Line Phonography in 1888, it later became renowned as Gregg Shorthand.
The term “longhand” historically referred to the elongated strokes used to write words, while “shorthand” was specifically designed to condense letters into their simplest forms, facilitating quicker note-taking and documentation. Shorthand’s divergence from the recognizable shapes of words sometimes leads it to be mistaken for ancient text or even Arabic due to its use of dots and loops to represent vowels and consonants.
Gregg’s shorthand, in particular, enabled individuals to transcribe up to 280 words per minute once mastered. While the widespread use of shorthand has diminished, it remains prevalent in certain professional domains such as legal, medical, and secretarial fields.
Regarding shorthand, it presents an intriguing and efficient method for capturing spoken information rapidly. Though I haven’t personally utilized shorthand extensively, I appreciate its utility and the skill required to master it. I’m curious to hear about others’ experiences with shorthand and how it has influenced their note-taking habits and professional endeavors. Let’s continue sharing knowledge about this distinctive script to foster greater understanding and appreciation for its practical applications.
