How to Translate Shorthand

The three most common systems of shorthand are Pitman, Gregg and Teeline. If you haven't studied them, it's unlikely you'll be able to make any sense of a shorthand transcription at all. If you have knowledge of one, you'll struggle to read the others, as each method varies considerably. For the novice, the only way of translating a shorthand passage without the help of somebody who can read it is to get hold of a crib sheet or a book containing the alphabet and grouped-letter sounds for the system you're working with.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen and paper
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Navigate to websites like Onlineshorthand.com, Angelfishy.net and Omniglot.com.

    • 2

      Compare the passage you want to translate with the examples that are provided of the different shorthand systems. Study the first sentence of your transcription and try to identify letters or diphthongs that clearly match one system.

    • 3

      Visit your local bookstore or websites like Amazon.com or Barnesandnoble.com to find a book on the system of shorthand you've identified. Teeline Fast by Ann Dix, The Gregg Shorthand Manual Simplified by John Gregg, Louis Leslie and Charles Zoube and Course In Isaac Pitman Shorthand by Isaac Pitman all provide comprehensive information on the symbols that make up each system.

    • 4

      Go through your shorthand transcription word by word, using your reference book to translate as you go. If you have trouble making sense of some passages, you can use the context of other words and phrases to make sense of any problem areas.

    • 5

      Read through your translation and use context to tidy up your work.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved