Other
Shorthand
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, n.d.
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- The encyclopedia article on shorthand. It defines the method as an abbreviated symbolic writing system, names stenography, and describes how trained writers use symbols and abbreviations for words and phrases.
- How much weight it carries
- A community-edited encyclopedia that cites its own sources. Used here only for the definition. Its historical dates should be checked against the primary sources cited in the library, such as the 1837 Pitman timeline.
Facts taken from this source
- Alphabetic shorthand systems reach a useful speed of 70 to 100 words per minute in a fraction of the time that stenographic systems need.
“require only a fraction of the time to acquire a useful speed of between 70 and 100 words per minute” (Introduction to shorthand systems)
- Wikipedia says Gregg shorthand was first published in 1888 by John Robert Gregg, and that it largely superseded Pitman shorthand in the United States and some other parts of the world.
“In the United States and some other parts of the world, Pitman was largely superseded by Gregg shorthand , which was first published in 1888 by John Robert Gregg” (Modern systems section)
- Teeline is the shorthand system recommended by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, which requires 100 words per minute for certification.
“Teeline is the recommended system of the National Council for the Training of Journalists with an overall speed of 100 words per minute necessary for certification” (Teeline section)
- The record for fast writing in Pitman shorthand is 350 words per minute, set in a two-minute test by Nathan Behrin in 1922.
“The record for fast writing with Pitman shorthand is 350 wpm during a two-minute test by Nathan Behrin in 1922” (Pitman section)
- Wikipedia defines shorthand as an abbreviated symbolic writing method that increases the speed and brevity of writing compared with longhand.
“Shorthand is an abbreviated symbolic writing method that increases speed and brevity of writing as compared to longhand” (Introduction)
- Shorthand training often uses structured dictation practice to improve writing speed and listening accuracy.
“In educational contexts, structured dictation practice is often used to improve shorthand writing speed and listening accuracy.” (Introduction)
- A typical shorthand system uses symbols or abbreviations for words and common phrases, which lets a trained writer keep up with speech.
“A typical shorthand system provides symbols or abbreviations for words and common phrases, which can allow someone well-trained in the system to write as quickly as people speak.” (Introduction)
Pages that rest on this source
- Stenography and Shorthand: Writing at 225 WPMGuide
- How fast is shorthand writing?Question
- What are shorthand outlines for legal dictation?Question
- ShorthandGlossary
- Dictation for Work: Doctors, Lawyers, Writers, StudentsTopic
- Legal Dictation for Shorthand and Steno ExamsGuide
- How long does it take to learn stenography?Question
- Writing Speed: Words per Minute by Hand and per DayGuide
- What is legal dictation?Question
- How do you practice legal dictation for steno exams?Question