Stenography is a form of shorthand writing that uses symbols to represent words. This blog post will discuss what is stenography in detail, its types, and why it is such a popular form of shorthand writing. We will also look at the different types of stenography courses and available career options.
What is Stenography?
Stenography is the art of writing in shorthand. It is a system of abbreviated writing used to take quick notes or transcribe speech. The word stenography comes from the Greek words stenos, meaning “narrow,” and graphein, meaning “to write.”
Stenography has been used for centuries, dating back to the ancient Greeks. In the 18th and 19th centuries, shorthand was used extensively in court reporting and the business world. In the early 20th century, the development of the typewriter and other technologies made stenography less necessary.
Today, stenography is still used by court reporters and other professionals who need to take quick, accurate notes. Some people also use stenography as a form of speed writing to take notes quickly without having to write out every word.
How Does Stenography Work?
Stenography is a form of speed writing that uses symbols or abbreviations to represent words or phrases. It is a way of writing quickly without having to write out each word entirely.
Stenography symbols can represent whole words, sounds, or syllables. They can be written in a linear fashion, like regular text, or they can be written in a nonlinear style, like in a code. Stenography can be written by hand or by machine.
Handwritten stenography is typically written in a notebook with special paper with ruled lines and symbols. The symbols are written in a specific order and are read from left to right and top to bottom. Machine-written stenography is typically written on a stenotype machine with a keyboard with special keys for each symbol.
To use stenography, you need to be able to read the symbols and know what they mean. You also need to be able to write quickly to keep up with the person speaking. Stenography can be used for taking down notes in meetings, lectures, and court proceedings.
Stenography is a fast and efficient way of writing, and it can be used to take down verbatim notes or to transcribe speech. It is a valuable skill for anyone who needs to take down accurate and detailed notes, such as journalists, students, and researchers.
Types of Stenography
There are three main types of stenography: Shorthand, Speed Writing, and Pitman.
- Shorthand is the quickest of the three and is typically used by court reporters. It is a method of writing quickly by abbreviating words and using symbols to represent sounds.
- Speedwriting is a bit slower but is still much faster than writing by hand. It is a method of writing rapidly by using abbreviations and symbols.
- Pitman is the slowest of the three but is the most accurate. It is a method of writing using a sound-based alphabet.
How to Learn Stenography?
To learn stenography, one must first understand the basics of the written language. This includes knowing how to write the alphabet and read and write words. Once this foundation is established, one can begin to learn the symbols and abbreviations used in stenography.
There are a few different ways to learn stenography. One is to take a class from a stenography school or online course. This will allow you to understand the system’s basics and how to use a stenography machine.
Another way to learn is to find a tutor or practice with someone who already knows stenography. This can be a more affordable option, and it can be fun to practice with a friend.
And one more way to learn is to get a stenography machine and practice at home. You can also find online resources to help you understand the basics of stenography. Whichever way you choose to learn, it is important to be patient and persistent in mastering this skill.
Stenography Course
Stenography is a course offered in many schools and training institutes in India. The course covers basic to advanced topics in stenography, including shorthand, transcription, and speed typing. After completing the course, students will be able to take dictation at a fast pace and be able to transcribe it accurately.
Here are the stenography courses available in India:
- ITI Stenographer Course
- Diploma Stenographer course
- Stenographer Certificate Course
1. ITI Stenographer Course
ITI’s stenography course is a one-year program that will teach you how to use a stenotype machine, also known as a shorthand typewriter. In this course, you’ll cover topics like grammar, communication skills, writing skills, using computer operating systems and the internet, and more. The course is offered in both English and Hindi.
Course Duration and Fees
ITI’s stenography course duration is 1 year (2 Semesters of 6 months each), and the fee is INR 10,000 to INR 50,000.
2. Diploma Stenographer course
Diploma stenography is a certificate course to introduce students to the profession of court reporting. It is taken up after class 12th, with one to two years of course duration. After the course completion, a certificate is awarded to the students, and they can start their careers as court reporters.
Course Duration and Fees
Diploma stenography course duration is 1- 2 years, and the fee is INR 10,000 to INR 100,000, depending on the institute.
3. Stenographer Certificate Course
Stenographer Certificate Course is a 3-year diploma course that provides training on all the basics of stenography. After completing this course, you can look up any job in a private office or public organization.
As soon as you get a job offer, you have to clear a written test to confirm employment. You will be considered a stenographer if you print at a speed of 200 wpm and accurately, without errors.
Stenography Career Options
If you are interested in a career as a stenographer, you will need to complete a training program that will teach you how to type at high speeds and use shorthand.
Once you have completed your training, you will be able to find work in a variety of settings, including courtrooms, law offices, and government agencies. You can have a successful career as a stenographer with the proper training and skills.
Some of the career options for a stenographer are:
- Stenographer
- Steno Secretary
- Steno Typist
- Steno Office Assistant
- Data Entry Operator
Stenographer Salary
A stenographer’s salary depends upon major factors: location, education, years of experience, and so on. Today, a stenographer’s salary in India ranges from INR 10,000/– to INR 20,000/– per month.
FAQs on What is Stenography
1. How much time will it take to learn Stenography?
Stenography is a skill that can be learned in 1-2 years. The amount of time it takes to learn stenography depends on the individual’s ability to learn and retain information and commitment to practice.
2. What is shorthand in Stenography?
Shorthand is a technique used in stenography to help transcribe speeches or other text more quickly. In shorthand, symbols and abbreviations represent words or sounds, which can help the stenographer write down what is being said more quickly.
3. Can I learn Stenography at home?
Yes! You can learn stenography at home, but it will take some effort. There are a few different ways to learn stenography; the most effective way will vary depending on your learning style. You can find online courses, books, and software to help you learn the basics of stenography.
One popular method is to use a stenography machine, which is a machine that records your keystrokes and translates them into text. Many people find that using a machine helps them learn the correct finger placement and speed needed for stenography.
4. Why is Stenography important?
Stenography is an important skill for anyone who needs to take notes quickly or transcribe speeches. It can be a valuable tool for students, journalists, secretaries, and anyone who needs to take down information quickly.
While there are many different shorthand systems, most are based on the idea of representing common words with abbreviations or symbols. By using stenography, people can take down information more quickly and accurately than if they were trying to write everything out longhand.
