Gregg Shorthand is a system of shorthand that was developed in England in 1885 by John Robert Gregg (1867–1948). It is widely recognized for its efficiency and speed in taking notes.
What is Gregg Shorthand?
Gregg Shorthand is a method of writing quickly and concisely using a series of symbols and strokes instead of traditional letters. The system is phonetically based, with symbols representing sounds rather than letters. This allows writers to record speech more rapidly than using longhand writing.
Development and History
Gregg Shorthand was developed in the late 19th century by John Robert Gregg, an English-born educator and linguist. His goal was to create a more efficient and accessible shorthand system compared to the existing Pitman Shorthand. Gregg’s innovation lay in the simplification and reduction of symbols, making them easier to learn and faster to write.
Key Characteristics
- Phonetic Basis: Symbols represent sounds rather than letters, allowing for more fluid and faster writing.
- Simplified Strokes: Uses simple, straight, and curved lines, which are quicker to write than the complex strokes of other shorthand systems.
- Linearity: Unlike some other shorthand methods, Gregg Shorthand generally maintains a linear flow, making it easier to read back.
- Speed and Efficiency: Designed to maximize speed, enabling writers to keep pace with spoken words.
Types of Gregg Shorthand
Over the years, Gregg Shorthand has evolved, with multiple versions released to adapt to changing needs and ease of learning:
- Gregg Anniversary: Released in 1929, it is one of the most popular and widely used versions, known for its speed and briefness.
- Gregg Simplified: Launched in 1949, this version aimed to simplify some of the more complex aspects of prior editions, making it more accessible.
- Diamond Jubilee Series: Introduced in 1963, further simplifying the system for faster learning.
- Series 90: Implemented in 1978, emphasizing ease of learning and readability at the cost of some writing speed.
- Centennial: Released in 1988, it aimed to balance between speed and ease of learning.
Applications and Usage
Gregg Shorthand has had extensive applications across professional and personal settings:
- Journalism: Used by reporters to quickly take down quotations and notes during interviews or events.
- Court Reporting: Employed by stenographers to transcribe court proceedings in real time.
- Business Meetings: Utilized by secretaries and executives for minute-taking during meetings.
- Academic Lectures: Adopted by students to capture detailed notes during lectures.
Special Considerations
- Learning Curve: While it’s easier to learn than some other systems, mastery still requires practice and dedicated study.
- Digital Displacement: The advent of digital recording and transcription technologies has reduced the necessity for shorthand in many professional contexts.
Examples
Basic Symbols
- A: “\textit{a}” sound represented by a simple straight line.
- N: “\textit{n}” sound represented by a looped stroke.
Sentence Example
In Gregg Shorthand, the phrase “It was a great day” might be transcribed using a series of rapid strokes and curves representing each phonetic sound.
Related Terms
- Pitman Shorthand: Another widely used shorthand system developed by Sir Isaac Pitman in 1837.
- Stenography: The practice or art of writing in shorthand.
- Teeline Shorthand: A more modern system of shorthand, developed in the late 20th century, commonly used in the UK.
FAQs
What are the advantages of Gregg Shorthand?
Is Gregg Shorthand still relevant today?
How long does it take to learn Gregg Shorthand?
Summary
Gregg Shorthand, developed by John Robert Gregg in 1885, is a highly efficient system of shorthand writing. Its phonetic basis and simplified strokes make it a valuable tool for rapid note-taking in various professional settings. Despite the decline in its widespread use due to technological advancements, it remains a significant part of the history of writing systems.
References
- Gregg, John Robert. (1929). Gregg Shorthand: A Light-Line Phonography for the Million.
- Swem, E. G. (1935). History and Development of Gregg Shorthand.
- The Gregg Group. (n.d.). Gregg Shorthand: The System Explained.
