Pitman shorthand

Pitman shorthand is a fast and efficient writing system created in the 19th century that uses simplified symbols, called strokes and curves, to represent sounds, words, or parts of words. It relies on the phonetic sound of speech rather than traditional spelling, allowing skilled users to write quickly by abbreviating common sounds and words. The system employs variations in line thickness, spacing, and symbols to distinguish different sounds and meanings. It is mainly used by stenographers and court reporters for real-time transcription, enabling rapid note-taking that closely mirrors spoken language while maintaining clarity and brevity.