Introduction to shorthand

Business Studies J.S.S 1 Third Term

WEEK 7

Introduction to shorthand

Performance Objectives

The student should be able to:

     1. Define shorthand.

     2. Trace the history of shorthand.

     3. Explain the importance of shorthand in the business world.

     4. Identify the major shorthand systems.

Content

Meaning of shorthand

Shorthand is any system of rapid handwriting which can be used to transcribe the spoken word. Shorthand systems use a variety of techniques including simplifying existing letters or characters and using special symbols to represent phonemes, words and phrases.

History and development of shorthand

Through the centuries shorthand has been written in systems based on orthography (normal spelling), on phonetics (the sounds of words), and on arbitrary symbols,…